Dear Editor,
In his brilliant article in last month’s issue, Barry Benepe proposed that the two-story structure on Pier 40 be razed. Pier 40 would then resemble Piers 45 and 46 in being an essentially flat surface. This would remove a horrible eyesore from the park. As we walk along the river, we are distressed by the sight of the pier from a distance, and even more distressed when we walk by it. Our view of the river is then blocked for a distance of nearly 800 feet. Instead we confront the brutal architecture of the entrance to the present structure. Without this structure Pier 40 would look green and attractive from a distance, and when one reached it, it would be possible to continue to enjoy the view of the river either by looking across the pier or by walking round its perimeter.
Benepe’s proposal retains the existing athletic fields, and adds further attractions, notably swimming pools and an arboretum. A lot of parking spaces would be lost, and this will undoubtedly upset the people who currently use them. They will need to be given plenty of notice. Those of them who are willing to pay the market price for alternative parking spaces will find them. But there is no reason at all why a Manhattan park should provide inexpensive spaces, particularly since three-quarters of the households in the borough do not own cars. More than that, there are good reasons for discouraging the use of private cars in Manhattan. And above all, the interests of the enormous number of people whose enjoyment of the park is much reduced by the monstrous structure that currently occupies Pier 40 should outweigh the interests of a relatively small number of private car owners.
Elaine and Frank Stewart
