Re: Aggressive open land preservation a must, Aug. 31 editorial.
Editor: Thank you for your well-presented piece on the need for land preservation. Preserving open space with all the benefits to people and wild creatures is incredibly important.
I was visiting my brother in Lake Worth last weekend and was so keenly aware of the feeling of being squashed in, of tension and rush resulting from continuous housing and commercial development and endless pavement. Then driving along we passed John Prince Park in the midst of this. I experienced a palpable sense of relief and renewed well-being. It's like an inner city version of Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey.
Yes, we need more of these spaces, from simple wilderness to recreational. I support this tax.
-- Susan Gould, Land O'Lakes
Closing Beacon Woods Drive is not the answer
Re: Proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Editor: I will not sign a petition to close Beacon Woods Drive. We want to become more informed before we decide any action that will seriously affect our quality of life and the quiet neighborhood we call home.
Many homes in Beacon Woods were built with one-car garages. The board has been approving expanded driveways monthly that accommodate the younger family with two and three cars. New residents are increasing traffic flow.
The Hudson/Bayonet Point Enrichment Center on Clocktower Parkway has just been allocated grants to expand their square footage and services. The majority of the people who visit the CARES facility come from outside of the Beacon Woods community.
The Beacon Woods Golf Club is in serious turmoil and is experimenting with open golf to the public during different times of the year. It is only time before Beacon Woods will be open to the public and the majority of the golfers will be outside of our community.
As one can clearly see, traffic in Beacon Woods is a growing concern. I don't believe installing a cul-de-sac is the cure-all for the developing traffic woes in Beacon Woods. Eliminating the main highway artery to U.S. 19 will create more complex traffic issues on Majestic, Woodbine and Clayton. Just what we don't need, one traffic headache to another!
-- Eugene Johnson, Bayonet Point
Traffic concurrency ordinance clearly needed
Editor: Does the growth management in Pasco County have the ability to really protect the interests of the public? If not, why?
The already serious traffic, safety and other county problems will intensify and cause an inevitable erosion of the tax base due to unmanageable growth.
U.S. 19 has already become a failure from a traffic and safety standpoint. We the people vote our public officials into office and we entrust them with the tremendous responsibility for protecting our interests, our safety and our quality of life, among other things.
We want healthy economic growth as much as anyone. However, we do not want to become the victims of predatory and selfish corporate interests, which, left to their devices would have a negative impact on our community, on many small businesses, our infrastructure resources and our precious quality of life.
It is my opinion that the Pasco traffic concurrency ordinance, if enacted, would be the ideal governing instrument in these matters. We implore the Pasco County Commission to defer to the welfare and safety of the people of Pasco in this vital matter.
There is a moral imperative to be truly accountable to the citizens of Pasco County by acting in the people's interest. Elementary fairness demands no less.
-- Lawrence Solomon, Bayonet Point
Kudos to schools for improving performance
Editor: It is wonderful to read that the state has provided more than $3-million to recognize the efforts of our local schools to improve the quality of education for our students. The dollars, which are distributed to schools based on the outcome of the FCAT, are the cornerstone of Gov. Bush's and the Florida Legislature's A-plus program.
This year Pasco is receiving nearly $1-million more than last year, which is a wonderful accomplishment. It is a testament to the dedication of Pasco's teachers and students to strive for excellence.
One of the nice aspects of the program is that each recipient school can decide how the funds will be spent, whether it be on teacher bonuses, new equipment or whatever else the local education community deems a priority.
I offer my congratulations to each and every Pasco school that has been recognized. Keep up the good work!
-- Roland Quinn, Port Richey
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