Dear Joe, I believe I have discussed with you, in recent months, the problem of our neighborhood – its possible deterioration, and potential improvement. There is a special service that you can perform for The Center without too much difficulty. It would be good to learn the present status of middle-income buildings in the vicinity of The Center (I believe on Columbus Avenue), and the details of apartments available. We can then advertise, in our bulletin and elsewhere, that such apartments are available within walking distance of The Center.Perhaps arrangements can even be made that The Center itself be the conduit to prospective tenants. I do not know about this last item, but it would be a good way of attracting potential members to The Center.Please do be kind enough to look into it.My warmest regards to Lilly and the children.Cordially,RABBI NORMAN LAMM

Dear Joe: I wonder if you had an opportunity to look into the parking problem on Saturdays in the West Side. Please let me know what answer, if any, you get. Warmest regards. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Joe: I have been trying to reach you for some time now, but you were out on vacation. I am therefore writing to you, in the hope that you can attend to this matter immediately upon your return. As you are aware from the letter I sent you in the very early part of the summer, we are going to have some real problems concerning the Mikvah on West 78th Street. The organization known as “Bridge” has applied to lease the property of the Moreno Institute for its activities. As I mentioned, I am by no means opposed to the Bridge and its work, and in fact heartily support it. However, it is most acutely unfortunate that they chose the premises right next to the Mikvah, which more than all else threatens to destroy the Mikvah on the West Side. I have been in touch with a number of authorities, and I shall today be in touch with Mrs. Liss of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene. I am informed that the only truly effective way of preventing this problem from growing any larger, is by working through the Community Planning Board, number seven, of which Mr. Robert Kagan is chairman. If we can exert enough influence at the Planning Board, and they do not permit the organization to rent the premises next to the Mikvah, there will be no problem. I feel this is the first great issue that the West Side Jewish Community Council can act upon in a clear and decisive manner, for the benefit of the rest of the community. Please, Joe, do get to work on this as soon as possible and keep me informed. All my best wishes for a very happy and successful new year. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Yussie: I happened to be speaking to a few Russian Jews recently, and it occurs to me that we would do very well for the West Side were we to encourage Russian Jews to rent apartments in some of the new buildings going up, either low-income or middle-income. However, this is a task that ought to be undertaken by the Housing Committee, perhaps in conjunction with NYANA. Try to look into it. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm