To the Editor:

Jerome Blue is an insult to this Island.  No console operators at the Tramway adds injury to insult.

This Island is named after Franklin D. Roosevelt.  If he were alive and living here and there was no Tram, he couldn't get out.

We are writing to you to express our deep concern and strong disagreement with the ravings of a vocal minority of individuals who have been posturing and creating disharmony and rancor in our neighborhood.  Our views are distinctly contrary to theirs and we would like to meet with you to discuss the ramifications and seek a remedy to still the unrest.

In particular we are bothered by the "Blue must go" rhetoric which we can only construe as racially motivated since the present RIOC administration really does appear to be handling RI matters well.  We certainly remember the former administration's indiscretions and this same group's remarkable silence!  Clearly the present RIOC is carrying out the self sufficiency mandate which was part of the original master plan and Governor Pataki's stated mandate for Roosevelt Island.  Stores are occupied, services remain intact, more public safety officers are on the job, projects are under way (Southtown, MiniSchool refurbishment, library, etc.), MTA tram negotiations are in progress, social service programs have been funded, grounds seem to be up-kept and there are even some giveaways (350 free student tram passes, a shopping bus, and late night tram hours, etc.).  It is most impressive that all of the above is being done with a $0 state subsidy.

Though we look forward to even greater resident input in the self sufficiency planning for Roosevelt Island, at present we are pleased with the job that Dr. Blue is doing and we truly feel that he should be congratulated.  However, after meeting with various groups we feel it is imperative that we meet with you to voice our support and work with you to heal this community.

I was surprised by your Letter to the Editor in the February 7 issue of The Main Street WIRE.  The Comparison Shopper feature of The WIRE has always shown Sloan's/Gristedes to be non-competitive with local stores, and apparently your conversion to a "Megastore" has not changed your pricing policy.  I'm happy to see every brand of cold cereal and cookie known to man, but I would prefer to find a yellow pepper at less than $4.99 a pound and a lamb chop I can afford. As long as I can buy yellow peppers for 99 cents a pound  and domestic red peppers for between $1.29 & $1.49 a pound at Fairway I will not buy yours (not identified as Holland, by the way) for four times as much.

I noticed that your usual full-page ad in The WIRE was replaced in the same issue by a Trade Fair ad.  I do hope you haven't pulled it in a fit of pique over Ms. Lublin's article.  As an ethical piece of journalism, The WIRE must not allow its business side to affect the objectivity of its news material.  Therefore, you must expect the chips to fall where they may, and you should continue to support Roosevelt Island's only source of unbiased information by continuing to purchase advertising.

Along with the other area stores, Costco is competitive, Mr. Catsimatidis, and you must compete like anyone else if you want Roosevelt Island's buisiness.  A big beautiful store is lovely, but no substitute for competitive prices and well-maintained produce.

I have faxed the following letter to the MTA and elected officials.  Steve Straus of the MTA told me that we must show that a large segment of riders are requesting the solution described, in order for the MTA to make service changes.  Therefore, I urge those residents who want treatment equal to that being given Upper East Side travelers to fax a copy of my letter to Mr. Straus at 718-488-6538 and notify me via fax to (212) 935-2852 (not after 10 p.m., please).

Unfortunately, the MTA has no idea how many of us use the Upper West Side subway lines.  Unless we let our voices be heard, we will continue to be the group most inconvenienced by the 15-month shuttle service.

I just heard the announcement on the NY1 television channel that the MTA will allow Roosevelt Island commuters to transfer train to train between the 63rd Street at Lexington Avenue station and the Lexington Avenue station at 59th Street, beginning February 22.  While we appreciate this consideration and accommodation of the MTA, it only helps the East Side commuters, it does not provide for commuters to the upper West Side.

A walking transfer between 57th Street and 7th Avenue (N train station) and 57th Street and 8th Avenue (Columbus Circle station) would help Upper West Side commuters connect with six train lines, the 1, 9, B, D, A and C trains.  Without it, we will have to travel south (the opposite direction) 15-23 blocks to a station at Times Square or 34th Street to connect with a third train and begin traveling north toward our final destination.  In other words, Roosevelt Island commuters with Upper West Side destinations are the most inconvenienced by the service changes and would benefit most by train-to-train transfers.  I therefore request that you provide the same train-to-train walking transfers on the West side that you are allowing East Side commuters.

Until my request receives attention and approval, my 6-days-per-week commute will be lengthened and highly inconvenient.  Would you please recommend  whom else I can call or write proposing equal treatment of the West Side commuters?  I am certain that I represent at least 50% of the Roosevelt Island residents.  I can be reached Monday, Tuesday and Fridays at 799-7171, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 935-2852.  A response can also be faxed to my home telephone at 935-2852.

Your prompt attention and response will be greatly appreciated.

Isn't it wonderful that we now have such a huge, well-stocked "mega" store on Roosevelt Island?  Wide aisles, huge selection, fresh products, a bakery and a deli.  Wow!  Everything a consumer could ask for in one convenient location.  Prices are a little higher, but I'm willing to pay a bit more for the quality and selection.

Then why do I dread going into the place?  Gristede's has done a remarkable face-lift of the old Sloan's, but didn't finish the job.  They didn't go in and exorcise the plague that has cursed innocent shoppers for as long as I can remember:  bad attitude, lousy customer service and shoddy appearance.

I prayed for new checkers when I heard about the renovation.  But it is not to be.  I have noticed some new employees, but they seem to have been dredged up from the same pit as all those who came before.  I will say there are one or two employees who have had a friendly word, but this is very rare indeed.  (You know who you are and I appreciate your courtesy.)

Oh, I could tell some stories.  Stories about waiting in line.  Stories about watching other shoppers who were behind me in line only moments before, walking out, groceries in hand while I am waiting for a lethargic checker to finish a loud conversation with the stockboy.  I have actually waited for a checker to finish eating a muffin (at her register) before I was allowed to pay and go home.

Well, I've complained to the manager numerous times.  And I feel sorry for him, because I think he does care, but what can one man do?

I witnessed this community successfully come together and demand the Tram be put back into service.  I think we can do the same thing in regards to this "Mega" problem.  These rude employees of Gristede's have the attitude that they are doing us a favor.  Wrong.  We pay their salaries.

I'm not saying we should boycott Gristede's.  I believe a simple "I'm mad as hell" postcard to Gristede's Main Offices might do the trick.  Let's demand that we be treated with the respect we deserve.  I'd like to be greeted by a smiling, well-dressed employee when I walk into the store.  Not someone who looks as though he wandered in looking for a handout.  And a simple "Thank You" for spending my hard-earned money at their establishment when I leave.  Is that too much to ask?

Gristede's employees, start earning your paychecks.

The address for Gristede's management is 823 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10019.