Mamdanis mediocre winter homelessness plan and more: Letters to the Editor Nov. 15, 2026

Based on the city’s approach to homelessness, little will change from last winter (“Zo’s ‘cold comfort’ plan,” Nov.10).By refusing to compel street homeless into shelter except under narrow involuntary-removal rules, Mayor Mamdani leaves individuals the right to freeze in the cold.

The $25 million “Code Blue” expansion falls short because open shelters only work if used.We can’t claim dying on the streets is their choice — not in a humane society.Sal GiarrataniBostonPresident Trump admits the Iran war was voters’ biggest midterm concern and has insisted since his Feb.28 speech that the terrorist nation will never be able to build a nuclear weapon (“Bibi, Don wage ‘war’ of words,” Nov.

12).Yet US intelligence indicates core elements of Iran’s nuclear program remain — and it can build a bomb in nine to 12 months, despite the president’s claim of complete “obliteration.” Ah, there’s the rub.Bill SchaeferSpringfield, NJThe Community Opportunity to Purchase Act exempts owner-occupied buildings of five or fewer units, so defenders claim that small landlords have nothing to fear (“A rare sign from Zo,” Nov.11). Neither they nor tenants should be reassured.

Owners are letting units sit empty because carrying them vacant beats dealing with the city. When selling is penalized, owners withdraw — and withdrawn buildings never enter the 20-day nonprofit window.City Councilwoman Sandy Nurse’s “opportunity to purchase” program will become a vacancy program instead.J.B.StarkManhattanWith the midterms bringing the Republican brand to its knees, the president’s pick of Stephen Miller as chief of staff is  utterly  baffling (“Hoppin’ mad over Miller time,” Nov.

11).Miller has pushed to deport all illegal immigrants, not just felons — with the compassion of a dog catcher — erasing Trump’s 2024  gains with Hispanics and sparking panic. Trump should ease back on ICE and create paths to citizenship for those  ...