Good development deserves support

Manhattan: The Daily News recently published a letter from the president of the City Club, Voicer Jeffrey Kroessler, opposing the development of two apartment buildings on a vacant parking lot that is at the corner of the Seaport Historic District along Water St. The problem is that this site, designated in 1972, is not significant for the cultural or aesthetic preservation of the district and the proposed development promises to fund the heart of the district, the Seaport Museum, with a $50 million grant. We are two members of the City Club board of directors who think this is a worthy trade.

The main objection appears to be that it requires the transfer of development rights within a historic district rather than from within a district to a development outside the district — the more frequent way that districts raise funds for their perpetuation and sustenance. That is a distinction without a difference in this case. The parking lot to be developed is at the corner of the district and contiguous to other tall office buildings. The money raised to preserve the museum is a lifeline in these economic times when the death of the museum is imminent.

The propriety of the development and its appropriateness will be reviewed thoroughly with the full participation of the public in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure and Landmarks Preservation Commission processes before any construction begins. Bottom line is that there is no threat to the culture, historic significance and value of the Seaport area from this project. Richard Emery, board member, City Club

and Brendan Sexton, board member, Seaport Museum

Kudos to the U.S. Postal Service for delivering a Christmas gift yesterday that was shipped to me on Dec. 10. Nothing says happy holidays like getting a present almost two weeks after Christmas!

Christopher Burner