The Issue: Whether the recent spike in New York City’s population can be connected to social issues.
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The Post had a very upbeat and interesting article describing the growing population in New York City (“The Bigger Apple,” March 15).
The reasoning was somewhat vague, though.
I think that one very plausible explanation of this phenomenon was given in the same issue, regarding the stunning growth in the food-stamp program, which doubled to $3.4 billion due to a pretty repulsive and aggressive “outreach” that practically begs people to apply.
And if one adds the growth in Medicaid, the growth in population might be even easier to explain.Ilya Feygin
Mountainside, NJ
There are plenty of positive reasons for the city’s population growth.
For instance, safer streets, lower violent-crime rates and more job opportunities, though the unemployment picture doesn’t look too promising.
Did anybody check to see who’s moving in and who’s heading out? The last I heard, affluent taxpayers were leaving.
Did anyone mention the generous welfare benefits provided by NYC? That’s always appealing. NYC just increased its food-stamp distribution.
As far as Brooklyn’s growth goes, it’s because of the scarcity of affordable apartments in Manhattan. That seems more like a population shift.
A population increase is a plus if the newcomers add to the well-being of the community, not to its burdens.
Ernest Ricci
Brooklyn