This letter was published in the Brooklyn Papers on October 13, 2007 by a neighborhood resident.
To the editor,
Thank you for your recent series of articles diligently covering the proposed buildfig at 360 Smith St. ("Carroll courtyard saved!" Sept. 15).
Clearly, the neighborhood is alarmed at the thought of a 43-unit building and the impact it will inevitably have.
Although we have had great media coverage, and some response from local elected officials, local politicians have been a little less than forthcoming with the following information: Where does the city plan to educate the many children who will inhabit the rash of new housing in the Carroll Gardens area?
Our beloved local elementary school, PS 58, is already at capacity, with a wait list for pre-K. Will we have to add it to th~ list of grossly overcrowded city schools? Who will be responsible for ensuring the safety of commuters and the children from the three neighboring schools who must cross Smith Street without a crosswalk, traffic light, or stop sign?
Why is there no procedure in place for an entire neighborhood to band together and fight the look, scale, and impact of giant developments? Why can't we have our moratorium? Over 2,500 of us have signed a petition asking for it!
Mark Pellegrino, Carroll Gardens
