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July 6, 2012

READERS’ FORUM: July 6, 2012

The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — New complex will destroy Woodgate subdivision

Terre Haute has worked a long time at improving its image of the ’40s and ’50s. We have many things to be proud of in the city, a big one was cleaning up Wabash Avenue and bringing it back to life. Terre Haute was once again becoming a nice place to live and raise a family.

That is until now. A select few have decided that they want more money, without considering how adversely they would affect our town. And with the help of maneuvering some key officials, they are getting the job accomplished. I am referring to the decision to allow Cobblestone Crossing to build two-story apartments next to established subdivisions. They are destroying Woodgate. Other subdivisions will also be negatively affected.

We would welcome Cobblestone’s expansion with open arms if they would have stuck to their originally approved plans of single-story condos and homes. They could at least now put up a decorative wall or fence and landscape their borders, as well as offer better security for this area. They plan to do nothing, and county officials let them get away with all this.

I invite you to attend a future meeting with your county commissioners with us and you will see. At a June 19 meeting, the commissioners sat dumbfounded, refusing to respond when presented with clear evidence that they (and Area Planning) bungled the rezoning process that allowed for multi-story apartment buildings built within 25 feet (a long jump shot) from neighbors’ property lines with no transitions or buffers and guaranteeing no notification or input from impacted residents in Woodgate. These commissioners enjoy their nice, quiet neighborhoods and admitted they wouldn’t like to have these monstrosities in their back yards. Yet they do nothing.

Just so you’ll know, these two-story apartment buildings are built on mounds of dirt where the rain water will flow right into Woodgate, flooding yards, crawl spaces and basements. Many of our own neighbors do not realize the problems they will face in the very near future.

Look back at Southwood subdivision's history of flooding until a huge drainage ditch was built. Cobblestone says they have a retention pond for the run off, yet the drain pipe sticks too far up in the air, rendering it non-functional. They did not even put swells around their property for the water to run off.

Some have called the Cobblestone development an example of economic progress. It might bring short-term jobs, but the commissioners and the powers behind Cobblestone clearly do not have the long-term interests of the county’s residents in mind. Cobblestone’s expansion will rapidly decay the quality of life in Woodgate, a crown jewel of south Terre Haute.

What happened to the vision and leadership that had begun to change Terre Haute? Terre Haute and Vigo County deserve better.

—Steve McCain

Woodgate Resident for 17 years

Terre Haute



In defense of our public employees

I am writing this letter in support of my fellow public sector employees. I have been employed by the United States government for 24 years. I am a third-generation public servant, but I fear that there will not be a fourth generation of my immediate family to enter government service.

The baseless and wanton attacks on public servants as a whole in the media and in the political realm have led me to this conclusion. Public employees in this area process Social Security claims, collect taxes, guard violent offenders, respond to fire and emergency calls and protect life and property at all hours of the day and night.

We did not enter into these positions in search of riches. We took them because we wanted to make a contribution to society. However, we still have to provide for our own families. Many public servants have a difficult time making ends meet, and with the focus on our supposedly “extravagant” pay and benefits, it makes it difficult to align reality with political expediency.

Our elected leaders need to realize that their short-term benefits in the polls will have long-term consequences. The next generation of public servants may not materialize. Perhaps that is ultimately what some of them want to happen.

— Shawn Kennedy

Sullivan



Qualifications are the key, not titles

This is in response to the article by reporter Arthur Foulkes published on June 26 titled “Fire union arguing ‘bump rights’ issue.”

Does it make a difference that she was a “female?” She is a member of the bargaining unit and has the same rights as a “male” firefighter. Gender has nothing to do with what is earned by a person, male or female. The female firefighters are good at their jobs and just as qualified as their male counterparts. If Mr. Fisher is a qualified paramedic or Advanced EMT then I hope he will use the best person for the job, not just a person who carries a certain title.

Dedication and ability should be considered. Titles don’t make a person more qualified.

There are many people who carry a title who cannot do what is required of them. It is just who they know.

— Judy Liston

Terre Haute



Insults no way to garner respect

I thought Ron Mott’s article on respect was hilarious and clever. He begins by pointing out how he always understood the meaning of respect and then proceeds to insult a president.

But the best part came when he insulted the entire state of South Carolina. Then he continues as if nothing happened.

What a hoot! Keep up the good work, Ron.

— Mike Collins

West Terre Haute

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