I always enjoy the view and the changes of season around the Blackwell House as I pass it very often, and the following condition I've noticed bothers me greatly. I hope it will be taken care of soon by the proper authorities.

About one year ago the handrail on both sides of the stairs at the entrance of Blackwell House invited my attention. The right-side handrail was leaning outward as if falling down and after a few months I noticed some small stones supporting the bottom of the leaning post of the handrail that made it stand straight. A couple of weeks later it was leaning again and those supporting stones were not there. I couldn't understand why it wasn't properly repaired.

About ten days ago I returned from a short trip and I noticed that the entire handrail was not there anymore, it had been completely removed. Only the handrail on the left side was left standing, which looks so strange.

To my knowledge Landmarks are preserved as a valuable heritage. I do hope that not only the handrail will be restored, but that the rest of the house will be taken good care of.

Oak Soon Hong

To the Editor:

Delightful as it is to have the spray from the fountains near the Blackwell farmhouse cool the air these hot days on our Island, residents should take a closer look at the continuing deterioration front and back of that historic landmark, our Island's oldest building. The golden rain tree's delicate blossoms cannot hide the missing bannisters on the right-hand side of the front steps. Cracked paint on the windows and sills permits the weather to rot the raw wood beneath. Dead branches from overhanging trees, that have landed on the roof, are not doing the curled roof shingles much good.

The appalling extent of the neglect of the farmhouse is most visible, however, on the east-facing rear side of the Blackwell house. The only attention it seems to have merited recently is the stringing of yellow "Caution do not enter" ribbons at one end of the back porch, whose broken porch railings have been tossed over the brick wall that encloses the weed-choked colonial garden to the south. The rain gutters are overflowing with debris and flourishing plants. The paint is peeling off the house sides as well as around the windows.

At the very least the grass could be cut and the hedges could be trimmed. How can we instill respect and appreciation for the privilege of living on Roosevelt Island when we condone the neglect of one of its prized links with the post-Revolutionary period in United States history?

Mary Camper-Titsingh

To State Senator Olga Mendez
Dear Senator Mendez:

I am encouraged by the proposed legislation that would replace the current appointed Roosevelt Iland Operating Corporation with an elected body. I have the following comments about the proposed legislation as it was printed in the June 12 issue of The Main Street Wire.

According to Section 5, paragraph 3:

The requirements of all local laws, ordinances, codes, charters or regulations shall be applicable to the construction, alteration or improvements of any building or structure on Roosevelt Island.

If this is correct, would that mean that the city's Zoning Resolution and the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure would apply to Roosevelt Island? While I strongly support this, I believe this may conflict with the Island's Master Lease and GDP. Would they have to be amended? You should note that the Island is within an R7-2 zoning district. This would mean certain aspects of the Southtown development and the entire Southpoint hotel proposal would require zoning actions to be constructed.

The bill provides for election of directors at the first general election held 30 days from the bill's effective date with subsequent elections held every two years in odd-numbered years. In order to assure the maximum participation, I suggest that elections be held in even-numbered years. This would coincide with Presidential and Gubernatorial elections which generally have the highest voter participation. In addition, what would be the procedures for selection of candidates and the counting and certification of ballots? These do not appear to be included in the bill.

Finally, since voters (and I assume Board members) must be Island residents, how can Island businesspersons be represented? I know that Community Board members include businesspersons who may not be residents of the community district on which they serve.

I believe this proposed bill is legislation that will assure the proper growth of Roosevelt Island consistent with the goals of the State, City and Island residents. I hope you take my suggestions into consideration as the bill moves through the Legislature.

Laurence Parnes