Easing reentry for the sick is decent and smart
Bronx: Re “Eric looks to zap apts. for ex-cons” (Sept. 19): As a lifelong Bronx resident, I have followed the Just Home project closely and am deeply concerned about the decision to halt this initiative, as well as how the issue has been framed in much media coverage.
The article highlights the political context surrounding Mayor Adams’ reversal, implemented by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, including the upcoming election and pressures from community groups. However, I believe it is just as important to focus on the human impact of these decisions. The project was designed to provide stable, supportive housing for former inmates with serious health issues, a group often overlooked in our city. Without safe, affordable housing, these individuals face enormous barriers to rebuilding their lives, managing their health and reintegrating into society.
Stable housing can reduce recidivism, improve public safety and give people a real chance at a fresh start. By shifting the conversation away from the needs of these individuals and focusing mainly on politics, we risk losing sight of what truly matters: creating a more just and compassionate community.
I urge city leaders, community members and the media to prioritize solutions that address homelessness and health challenges among vulnerable populations. Let’s ensure that future reporting includes the voices and experiences of those directly affected, and work together to find a location for Just Home or similar projects that will serve those most in need. Thank you for covering this important issue and considering the broader impact of these policy decisions. Cris Mena Perez
Residential hazards
Brooklyn: In Homecrest and Midwood, there has been a dangerous proliferation of yellow school buses running down side streets. In fact, you recently reported that a 4-year-old was hit by a yellow bus, clinging to life. A police officer and a traffic officer both told me it’s illegal for these buses to use side streets, that they’re supposed to run on the avenue and the children are to meet them there, not in front of their individual homes. These buses (sometimes private cars) are for children going to private schools. This scourge is not only dangerous but a huge issue to quality of life on these side streets, while there are also children on scooters zooming both ways down a side street. Barry Brothers
For political points
Massapequa Park, L.I.: Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries should be voted out of office. It is disgraceful how they are holding the country hostage just to try and get some votes for the Democrats next month. Thomas Facchiano
Servile
Brooklyn: Republican Party leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are running a protection racket for Donald Trump. Johnson is refusing to swear in a newly elected Democrat because she will be the deciding vote in releasing the Jeffery Epstein files. This is an example of the “roll over” Republican Party now. President Trump, an authoritarian fascist by nature, has no concept of the U.S. Constitution nor respect for the rule of law. Without these safeguards, we have nothing. These so-called leaders take their orders from him and normalize all his illegalities and depredations while selling our American values down the river. How low can they go? Irwin Cantos
Civil war path
Manhattan: The president wants American cities to be used / As training grounds for our military / The biggest fear our citizens have / Is that their streets may end up a cemetery / Armed soldiers patrolling the sidewalks / Clashes with people using force / The possibility of stray bullets and violence / Our country is on a dangerous course. Phoebe Celentano
The right to fight
Manhattan: I keep hearing linguistic nonsense that political violence is never acceptable. The purpose of rules in an ordered society should be to further justice and human rights. My rights are not negotiable — a lesson lost on ones like Donny and Charlie Kirk. When one uses legislative or other force to stop abortions or euthanasia, due process or women’s rights to equality, you have crossed a line. Taking away foreign aid, Medicare, food stamps and vaccines has real-world consequences. People die. When you seek to foist your Christian nationalism down the throats of others in a pluralistic society, I agree with Niccolo Machiavelli that “if an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.” Daniel Jean Lipsman
Restroom riders
Long Beach, L.I.: Why hasn’t the LIRR been given credit for solving the affordable housing crisis coupled with no-cost transportation? Voicers, you too can qualify for the LIRR’s stowaway package. To qualify, simply flush the neon toilet water 82 times when you hear footsteps. Exit the abode with a crosseyed don’t-mess-with-me scowl. Construction workers are asked to refrain from harassing the tenants by screaming, “What the hell are ya doin in there!?” This innovative programming is funded by the riders who work three jobs at minimum wage. Dana Fuchs
Cool it down
Manhattan: And just like that, it is fall in New York. Not the fall marked in the calendar — it is the soul-enriching New York fall. The overnight rain met its promise to glisten hope, washing away the oppressive heat and humidity of summer. Could the wars and terrorism finally cease? The changing color of the trees could be the barometer of societal changes. Wars have ended in the fall: Nov. 11, 1918, Sept. 2, 1945 and almost Oct. 12, 1972, until the Vietnam peace settlement mired in muck until January 1973. Ukraine, left in limbo in 2025 by a recalcitrant United States, felt its many European allies stepping up their support. How many fronts is Vladimir Putin willing to take on? Conversely, will Trump’s intervention for peace in the Mideast result in Hamas returning the remaining hostages to Israel? It is fall 2025. Let peace reign. Susan A. Stark
Call for condemnation
Manhattan: A new poll just revealed that 61% of American Jews think Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza. Much of the Free World feels the same way. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes. With that as a backdrop, Andrew Cuomo challenges Zohran Mamdani to condemn the phrase “Globalize the Intifada.” He also belittles a Palestinian group that has plans to engage in peaceful, nonviolent protest by means of a general strike. He does not offer any criticism of Israel. Cuomo’s failure to condemn Israel’s genocide in Gaza can only be interpreted as pandering to wealthy New York Jewish backers. I call on Cuomo to “directly and unequivocally” (Cuomo’s own words) renounce Israel for its barbarous conduct in Gaza. Go ahead, Andrew, what have you got to lose, a few wealthy backers? Steven Davies
Comings & goings
Bronx: To Voicer Larry Maslak: Regarding your letter about your great-grandparents coming to America, they were “immigrants,” a noun. They “emigrated,” a verb, to this country. No one “immigrates.” This is a common mistake made by even seasoned writers and broadcasters. I trust that the editors and proofreaders at the Daily News take note of this and notify all who write for the paper to use the correct words, as it will give their reporting more credibility. Marion Friedman
A bit dramatic
Brooklyn: Taylor Swift is totally into Travis Kelce and supporting him on the field (“Taylor Swift reveals why she wasn’t interested in Super Bowl halftime show,” Oct. 7). I admire that. What I don’t admire is her saying Travis puts his life on the line to play football. That’s his career choice. FYI, Taylor, the only people who put their lives on the line are our veterans, our police and our firefighters. To say they are underpaid for risking their lives for us is an understatement. Mariann Tepedino
Outdated graphic
Staten Island: For years, the prestigious Daily News has been excellent in providing stats and coverage of the New York Knicks for years, but you still use the old logo. I suggest you use the new one going forward, and I look forward to seeing it whenever you apply it. Thank you for providing us with news for years. When I was a child in the Bronx, I bought the paper for my father and grandma practically every day and it was always number one to me! Frederick Dore
