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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 17, 2003
Re: Ridge Road extension. Editor: I have one question for supporters of this farce. Do any of you actually live next to Ridge Road? I do and in no way, shape or form want the noise, increased traffic and the other detriments associated with this project.
We moved from a county up North where they let development run rampant. While you might acquire some additional conveniences from this, the negative effects are enormous. The quality of life also does not benefit with more congested roads. We like this area because it's quiet.
Let's not give a key to the developers, only to ruin that aspect.
-- Ford Morgan, New Port Richey
Editor: We are being walled in by Wal-Mart. Beacon Woods is a beautifully planned community. Its winding streets, ponds and bird sanctuary have given it the charm of a small village. Every resident here has a sense of community.
Do we really need a Wal-Mart Supercenter on our doorstep? The store they are proposing to build will bring thousands of cars off U.S. 19 and onto Beacon Woods Drive. This is bound to destroy the tranquility of the American dream we all worked hard to achieve. Sam Walton got his dream, let us keep ours.
The Wal-Mart on Ridge Road already has created a traffic hazard and a crime problem. As to employment opportunities, there will be as many jobs lost as gained since other business dealers will probably be forced to close.
Pasco County continues to give in, it will eventually find itself a county of run-down developments because anyone with common sense will have fled to greener pastures where the welfare of the voting public is of primary concern.
-- Muriel Marra, Bayonet Point
Editor: I am writing to the public on behalf of my beautiful country neighborhood community in Pasco County. Our concern is Habitat for Humanity.
We feel that Habitat should have informed the community of its intentions to build. Our understanding is that Habitat is to help people in the community. They may help one family, but they can hurt a whole neighborhood in the process.
I made several calls to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Finally, after several days, a person identifying herself as the secretary for Habitat for Humanity called me. When I asked her about future plans for our neighborhood, she stated that they were going to build several houses in our neighborhood. Then the director called, and his statements were different from the secretary. Who are we to believe?
We have several vacant lots (which give us the rural atmosphere) that are inexpensive, and we feel that they (Habitat for Humanity) have taken advantage of us. Why are they granted immediate variances for lot size, set backs, etc.? Does Habitat for Humanity have a different set of guidelines than the community?
Because of the layout and aesthetic appearance of the houses they build, they do not fit in with the country atmosphere. We all feel one was too many. We want to keep our country atmosphere and save the environment. Ask yourself: Would you want one of these houses next door to you?
-- Sharon R. Post, Spring Hill
Editor: I would like to thank the Pasco County government for turning my backyard into a construction site and my front yard into a race track. They are putting a sewer pump station virtually in my back yard.
I should point out that I have a septic system on my property and therefore no need for a sewer pump. For the construction, they have closed Moog Road and turned Pinehurst Drive into Alternate U.S. 19.
The speed limit on this stretch of Pinehurst is 10 mph, but they must have removed the speed limit signs because traffic is flying by the front of my house. Trying to get out of Beacon Square Drive is like a combat exercise.
If people are driving near the intersection of Moog Road and U.S. 19, they are taking their lives into their own hands. Most drivers are considerate, but others feel they are too important to wait for traffic to move and tempers are flaring. Someone is going to die in this area by an auto accident or road rage.
And, according to operator No. 55 at the Sheriff's Office, they are too busy with major crime to post a deputy near this area. As usual this project was poorly planned and the execution is even worse.
-- David L. Moon, Holiday
Re: Don't worry about class size, get rid of teachers, Feb. 10 letter
Editor: I wonder when the letter writer was in a school last? In every classroom, there are at least two computers. The children are taught by the teachers. If they were taught at home, who would correct their mistakes?
Now let's get to teachers. They get to class 90 to 120 minutes before the students. They stay about the same amount of time after the children leave. Papers have to be corrected. Work must be prepared for the next day. No, they do not stay five hours, it is more like eight to nine hours.
I have seen teachers buy supplies and snacks with their own money. Tight budget. Perhaps if parents would help, more would be achieved. How do I know so much? I am a dedicated volunteer.
-- Michael Starr, Port Richey
Re: Stand with recruits on car insurance policy, Jan. 28 letter
Editor: I would certainly join with this mother in support of legislation that would protect our military recruits from penalties of canceling policies when serving our country.
We appreciate what these young men and women are doing for all of us, and we surely would not want them to be penalized in this manner.
-- Lucille Voreland, Bayonet Point
Editor: I urge you, please, if you can, to adopt a stray cat from the SPCA, Animal Control or Humane Society.
I always wind up feeding stray cats. Unfortunately, most of these strays are caught and put to sleep. You have irresponsible people who throw them out, only to get diseases, poisoned or run over by traffic. I can only do so much to help; and, unfortunately, I have to take strays to Animal Control.
I have called everybody, but every shelter is filled to capacity. So please adopt and give donations to Animal Control, SPCA, the Humane Society or to your local veterinarian.
-- Mary R. Mosley, New Port Richey
Editor: Farewell to columnist Jan Glidewell. It's about time!
The man was lost in the 1970s with his dry opinions. Maybe now we will have a young person with opinions based on facts.
-- Bob Cooper, Spring Hill
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