Re: Poor planning causing spread of "road cancer,' letter by David Williams, Dec. 15.
What David described in his letter is what I've seen happen to a degree from my longtime residence in the Metro Atlanta area. There have been many different methods attempted to improve traffic flow, from the Marta train system together with the Marta bus system, which covers many counties, to passenger lanes dedicated for carpooling, to the old-fashioned widening of roads.
And you know the results? Atlanta has a Marta system that loses money and has to continuously raise the rates in spite of saying the train/bus system would become profitable.
Atlanta has carpooling lanes which are continuously being violated because of their ineffectiveness.
And traffic is still a nightmare, among the worst in the country in spite of the wider roads.
We in Pinellas have no traffic compared to Atlanta's, but here we do have a problem that Atlanta does not have: Pinellas County has limited land. We cannot annex more land from the east because there is the bay.
-- Kerry Brannen, Tarpon Springs
Coachman Road closure a nightmare
I work at the Super 8 Motel at U.S. 19 and Coachman Road in Clearwater. Since the closing of Coachman Road on Dec. 8, I have seen a complete disaster of traffic backing up from 3 to 6 p.m. on U.S. 19. Whoever made this decision to close the road from Dec. 8 until Jan. 4 must be out of their mind.
-- Ernie Blyler, Clearwater
Park train shouldn't be private
On Dec. 13 I took two of my grandchildren shopping for gifts. This was a tremendous and beautiful experience for the children and me. Heading back home we passed by Largo Central Park and the kids spotted that the train was operating. Can we stop for a ride in the park?
Approaching the entry to the train stop, we were abruptly met with Mr. Grinch and Lady Scrooge, who informed us in quite clear voices that the train rides were closed for their private party. I can understand their desire to treat their family's friends to this special treat, but I think this family is missing the real spirit of this holiday season of giving and sharing with others.
Also, this train was running with less than full capacity. Why, then, couldn't some kind of standby system be set up to allow children such as my grandchildren to ride? We left the area with my 2-year-old grandson crying and hurt and not able to understand why he couldn't get a ride.
As a Largo taxpayer, I think the city officials could do something to avoid this happening again - especially at Christmas time.
-- James Arthur Adams, Largo
Celebrate the season with child's eyes
On behalf of us "Griswolds" of the world, I find it politically correct to refer to our Christmas displays as "holiday lights." We decorate to celebrate Christmas - the season that is most beautiful when seen through the eyes of a child.
If you have children or still have a little child left in you, I invite you to visit the Indian Trails subdivision in Palm Harbor. We have more than 40 homes beautifully decorated to celebrate the magical time of Christmas.
-- Jim Arntz, Palm Harbor
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Indian Trails subdivision is near the intersection of Alderman Road and County Road 1, just north of Palm Harbor University High School.
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