High-Priced Condos Drive Up the Cost of Everything

Dear Mr. Capsis,

I met you at the November 23rd inaugural concert at St. Veronica’s Church.

I was truly sorry to read in WestView News of your loss. It sounds like you and your cousin John had much in common.

I write to you concerning two articles that appeared in the December 2017 issue of WestView. First, I concur: The concert at St. Veronica’s was a joy, and more importantly, a hit. And Lord knows we could use a lot of joy this year. The other article, by Karen Rempel on 160 Leroy welcomes, with “shimmering excitement,” the new, 15-story building where two penthouse apartments are selling for a mere $51 million and $31.5 million. A 1,096-square-foot abode goes for a cool $3.2 million. Are you kidding?!

On one hand, you bemoan the fact that seniors have nowhere to go for affordable classical music. On the other hand, you have Karen Rempel. Who is she welcoming into the Village? Nobody I know. These newcomers will drive up not only the cost of apartment sales and rentals, but also the cost of dining out, whether it be diner or gourmet food. Classical music? Forget about it! In the future, seniors won’t even be able to go to the nearest diner (if there even is one) for a cup of coffee!

The two articles express the divide evident all over the city—a city of haves and have-nots, of those who have and those who have less. It’s so sad that we have come to this, but I thought you should know that the Village is no longer affordable for the likes of myself, my longtime neighbors, or their children. I hope you are successful in preserving St. Veronica’s, but I’m not sure for whom.

Sincerely, Siggy Raible