Letters to the Editor 04-18-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- News Views Incomplete - Go Figure - Good Opportunity - NIMBYs Took Notice - Two Cents Worth - Gun Locks - Alcohol Permit - Lots Of Cops - Senior Center Problems
News Views Incomplete
Editor, Times-Union:Your News Views in Saturday's edition was interesting, however, incomplete. For clarification purposes please be advised of the following list of information and facts regarding a Meijer development in Warsaw. It is proposed to be located adjacent to a residential neighborhood of well over 300 plus families you creatively labeled NIMBY's (not in my backyard).
1. You stated your opinion that the people were not thinking about the best interests of Warsaw. Mr. Van Wagoner, the consumer affairs coordinator for Meijer, spoke with you about "no other land options" in the area targeted for development. There is property on U.S. 30 three-quarters of a mile west of the proposed site in question, on the south side with a large "FOR SALE" sign on it. Why did Mr. Van Wagoner say chances of Meijer shopping around Warsaw for another site "looks kind of bleak?" Could it be the cost of development for Meijer at an undeveloped intersection is cost-prohibitive when there is one already here?
2. Many people I have spoken to have never seen a Meijer store complex nestled among houses. Consider the Fort Wayne and Elkhart stores here in Indiana rather than the ones discussed in Michigan, at the Monday, April 10, courthouse public meeting. They are located outside of the major hub of the city, easy on and off the main highway. They are also all surrounded by many other retail stores, not homes or elementary schools.
3. The plan, as shown by Meijer, includes many other small retail stores adjacent for a clearer picture of the total development. It is not "just a Meijer store," folks! Get the facts clearer to make a good long-term decision. How many more vacant small business eyesores can Warsaw endure when the sales slump for the small guys? We already have a vacant store in the Wal-Mart plaza, another in the K-Mart plaza, one storefront in the 30/30 Mall and the old Owen's, just to name a few. There are many other vacant buildings in Warsaw. Does Meijer care about this dilemma? I doubt they even think about it.
4. Gary, it is location, location, location. It is not NIMBY or traffic exclusively. Your argument for a good neighbor and bringing jobs is also very weak. This does little for growth in the immediate community it serves. The jobs for most of the employees means in reality: slightly above minimum wage pay; part-time hours; minimal benefits; and very, very long hours. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The minority - store executives - will live well, while the majority - employees - if they are the major breadwinner for a family, will just barely survive.
5. Development of the Danek plant on U.S. 30 West will bring good jobs, 40 hour work weeks with good benefits, an asset to our local economy. This is an investment in a community's future. Warsaw can support families to pay for their needs with the income this industry will bring. This is an "attraction of people to the area to attract dollars," as you stated in your editorial. This type of development for a piece of land, if it must be developed as many say it will, would be a more reasonable and attractive option.
6. As far as Meijer footing the bill for the traffic, please get the facts straight. What makes any of us think Meijer really is in the business to solve our city problems? They are in the retail sales business. Meijer's traffic solution is on the north side of U.S. 30. How does that help the city that you claim does not have the bucks to "pull off" the cost of over $750,000? It only solves part of the problem again, like putting a band-aid on a hemorrhage, it will still "bleed." There are other areas along the U.S. 30 West corridor and if I were a Meijer developer, I would not "take my ball and bat and go home." Meijer is not going to fix "a decade old traffic problem" as you stated, and they did not offer to pay for all of it. If they give up that easily, in my opinion, they did not really try very hard.
7. Lastly, the overall majority of the people who did speak last week did not oppose a Meijer retail chain coming to Warsaw as your final statement implies: "It's tough to force yourself on people who act like they don't want you." The people were not focused on badmouthing the Meijer Corporation at all. They were looking at the entire picture and they see it as it really is, in the wrong location, period.
Anne Keller
Warsaw
Go Figure
Editor, Times-Union:ÊWhy do people buy houses next to a pig farm and complain of pig smell? Why do people buy houses next to an industrial corridor and complain of industry? Why do people buy houses next to an airport and complain of airport noise? Don't ask me.
Daniel Stevens
Warsaw
Good Opportunity
Editor, Times-Union:When I first read in the newspaper that Meijer was considering building a store in Warsaw, two thoughts quickly came to my mind. One was that finally, with the K-mart upgraded to a Big K and a new Super Wal-Mart, Elder-Beerman and now a Meijer, maybe people, including myself, wouldn't have to go through all of the hassle of driving out of the county as much to find what they needed. I don't think that there are very many residents of Kosciusko County that haven't been frustrated because they couldn't find what they were shopping for at one of the stores here and had to take the time and trouble to go all the way to Fort Wayne or somewhere else to get what they were looking for, or settle for something that maybe just wasn't what they wanted because they couldn't get exactly what they wanted from the limited selection that they have here. The problem is that, for the size of the town, shopping options have been very limited in this area for a long time.
Secondly, I thought of how good this could be for this county, so that more of the money that's made here would be spent here. It seemed like a win-win situation for everyone. More jobs, more tax dollars, better roads for free and more commerce in the county. The thought that the people that live in that area would object to it never entered my mind. It seems to me that the ones who could have gained the most with the better roads and shopping convenience are the ones that complained the most.
That property is a prime location for development and there are several other options that it could be used for. How many houses, condominiums or apartments could be built on the 23 or so acres that's zoned residential? Wouldn't the roads need to be improved then? And wouldn't that be at taxpayer expense? And what about the security lights and traffic from those new structures? I think that the security lighting from the outlot of a Meijer store may have been better in comparison. And what about the other 19 acres that's already zoned commercial? I'm sure that the Area Plan Commission and the Warsaw City Council did what they thought was right, but if you ask me, Meijer isn't the worst thing that could happen to that property, and might just end up to have been the best option.
Warsaw is a growing community and we need improvements like this, and I can't help but feel that we've taken a giant step backward, and that for whatever reason, a golden opportunity has been squandered.
Danny E. Graves
Claypool
NIMBYs Took Notice
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to your editorial comments of Saturday, 4/15. You succeeded in gaining the attention of those you sarcastically refer to as "nimbys." Some of your comments were without merit because you obviously did not have or understand the facts surrounding the proposed Meijer location. The question I have for you is how can you be so opinionated about the Meijer situation and live in the Syracuse lakes area? And were you in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting you so aptly denounce?
I was part of the group that canvassed the area seeking input from those who would directly be affected by the proposal and those who would be indirectly affected. I can honestly say that only one individual I spoke with was opposed to the Meijer locating in Warsaw. In the almost 98 percent that responded to and signed the petition, everyone directly or indirectly involved denounced the proposed location for all the reasons previously stated. Those individuals familiar with the Meijer stores in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka and South Bend all stated this was not the "typical" location for Meijer. There are some in similar locations, but a large number of stores do not border residential areas. And, yes, everyone concurred the traffic study was extensive; however, the study included 1995 data based on a 4 percent increase. I have not spoken with anyone who felt that even with this study that traffic was not a MAJOR issue. The entire plan commission (all eight voting members) concurred.
Meijer may prefer this site for many economic reasons, but it is not the only available site as we have learned of two others who were in contact with or in early negotiations with Meijer prior to this property. I believe Meijer can and will find a more suitable property and come to Warsaw. If nothing else, all the favorable comments Meijer has heard over the past several weeks should convince them the community will support them in the proper location and setting.
And, once again, you are correct to some degree about new jobs. Meijer will bring many retail jobs to Warsaw. What Warsaw really needs is more manufacturing, technical and medical jobs. One point to note: Meijer is not a local company. All Meijer profits with the exception of some local charity will revert back to their Corporate office in Grand Rapids, Mich. Sure, Warsaw's tax base will increase, etc., but it will not matter where they locate.
If you would have attended the 4/10 meeting, you would have noted that Joe Thallemer did an outstanding job of not only leading this meeting, but tempering it from the start. Not once did he influence the outcome of the discussion or voting. And quite frankly, he does have a responsibility to his constituency and to his community. I think he did a good job of maintaining that delicate balance that is necessary to be effective and successful.
After last Monday's meeting, I was in the Chicago area for the balance of the week and had the opportunity to watch the Joliet, Ill., city council discuss and vote on almost an identical issue. Like Warsaw, Joliet denied the request using the argument the rezoned property would be "an encroachment" to existing residential property.
It has been quite obvious, even to us "nimbys," that the Times-Union supports Meijer in this request to move to Husky Trail. It's also obvious that economic reasons play a large part in this support. One has to only look at the amount of new advertising revenue Elder-Beerman has provided the Times-Union in ROP and insert advertising since their arrival in Warsaw.
Enough said. I think you get the picture. (Monday's) meeting may or may not put some finality to this issue. The thing it will show is there are those individuals who are willing to voice their public opinions freely and honestly with the desire local government officials will listen and act accordingly.
Steve Holbrook
Warsaw
Note: Does the managing editor of the local newspaper count as one of those individuals willing to voice his public opinion freely and honestly with the desire that local government officials will listen and act accordingly?
Gary Gerard, Managing Editor
Two Cents Worth
Editor, Times-Union:As owner of Stonecreek Homes and a citizen of this community I would like to add my two cents on the Meijer issue. Before I do I would like to thank all the customers, suppliers and other friends who have shown their support with expressions of concern and endless offers of help. It continues to lift the spirits to know we have that many friends.
It may come as a surprise that I mostly agree with your assessment of the Planning decision as detailed in Saturday's New Views. I have worked on this corner for more than 14 years. I know this intersection! If traffic is the chief concern, there is no way that this community can do better than the proposal that Meijer has brought to the table. The company has approached the rezoning request in a win-win fashion, trading exhaustive research, know how and experience to solve a traffic problem for a chance to do business in Warsaw. I agree that based on other communities Meijer is a positive force. As a business person I feel the cost of moving would be offset by the increased traffic from smaller communities in a 45-mile radius of Warsaw. Please understand I speak as a tenant not as current landowner.
It is not fair to blame the city, or its past and present planners or leaders, for this intersection or other problems created by growth. Predicting the future is not a exact science. If any planner had perfect "future" vision they would not be planners, they would be semi retired, on the beach, drawing upon huge stock earnings! This town should take the time to thank these people for trying make this a better place to live and shop.
I only take issue with you regarding Joe Thallemer. I don't feel his conflict of interest is any greater that yours. I believe your Saturday column should have been prefaced with a disclosure that the Times -Union stands to benefit greatly from advertising revenues if Meijer comes to town. I place this oversight on the same level as Mr. Thallemer's actions. I am somewhat surprised by your naive tone though. I don't believe that this location is the only possible site for Meijer in this town. I would expect that any representative of Meijer to proclaim to everyone, including yourself, that this is the only chance. They want to build urgency and a sense of loss. Good sales! I think you bought!
All of this is very positive and reinforces the fact that Warsaw is the best little town in Indiana. Nowhere in this state is there this much activity and growth in a community so small. To wish for these kind of problems, spend a few days in other communities of the same size. There is no comparison.
Jeff Owens
Stonecreek Homes
Gun Locks
Editor, Times-Union:If you can't lick 'em, join 'em:
I've heard the terminology, if you can't lick 'em, join 'em, but I've never heard, if you don't want to get sued, join' em. It looks like we have another government agency, Smith and Wesson and other gun companies. I'am not sure what their jobs are yet ,they might be like the IRS, instead of taking people's money, they will be taking people's guns, as soon as the government passes the new gun laws. Then we can all go back to the stone age, and instead of keeping a loaded gun beside the bed, we can all keep a bucket of loaded rocks beside the bed, to protect our life and property, because it will be quicker to throw a rock instead of trying to find the keys to your gun lock in the middle of the night, trying to protect your family from intruders. But then the government will try to pass a rock lock law, is my guess. But hey, if enough people get hurt because of gun locks, because they can't use their guns quick enough against intruders, it is my guess that Smith and Wesson are not going to get out of very many lawsuits. Hopefully the gun companies will get out of bed with the government. Have a nice day.
Michael L. Stevens
Pierceton
Alcohol Permit
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to the April 7 article in the Times-Union "Syracuse Ministers Oppose Booze Permit."
How many is too many? Are six fast food restaurants in Syracuse too many? Are seven realtors too many? Are f14 churches too many? Or do we have multiples of each business because our country is one of Freedom of Choice and Free Enterprise?
When three ministers presume to speak for the whole congregation of nine churches, it makes me wonder about some things: The Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church is not in Syracuse and I don't believe Pastor Ralph McCoy resides here and neither does Pastor Leroy Wise of the Calvary United Methodist Church. Also Julie Hoffer, another remonstrator, resides in Milford.
When you sign a petition, you must use your home address, not the address of your place of employment. Where were all the concerned people who don't want another permit in Syracuse two years ago when Pizza King applied for and received a beer permit? Why wasn't that too many?
We have owned restaurants serving alcohol in the town of Syracuse since 1978. When Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway and Taco Bell all came here within a short time, we wished we could have stopped the competition. However, we couldn't and it made us re-examine the freedoms this country is founded on.
The state of Indiana told us there is a liquor permit available in Syracuse, so we applied for it. Anyone could have done so. We are not proposing to open an illegal or immoral establishment. We simply want to use a property we own which has always been a restaurant and try to make a living there. This is the practice of Free Enterprise.
In closing, we would like everyone to think about whether they would like a special interest group to be able to run their business, their town or their life. Or do we still live in the United States of America?
Wally and Sandy Young
Quackers Inc.
Syracuse
Lots Of Cops
Editor, Times-Union:The number of cops we see throughout town has shocked us lately. Some may say "Good, it'll help keep the community from going to hell" but if you're a teen it's a never ending battle with the boys in blue.
Ever since "operation pull-over" came into play, some cops have taken it to the extreme. True, the police have to do what they need to do to keep order in Warsaw, but harassing local youth isn't one of them.
Not only have we had a few experiences with this problem, but a couple of our friends and people we know have had some run-ins and they all have started the same way regardless if the car was moving or parked. Instead of the usual "Can I see your license and registration please" it's "I smell marijuana, why are your eyes red, have you been smoking weed?" As soon as you reply no, they ask you to step out of the car and continue pushing the issue by saying, "So if I search you right now, I'm not going to find anything." Again, if you reply no, the question "What if I search your car" pops up. If you tell them to go ahead they definitely won't find anything, they get back in their car and leave without using the proper procedures for pulling you over in the first place or giving a reason why they talked to you. The sad thing is it doesn't stop there and they watch your vehicle, hoping you'll have something the next time they see you.
We think it's time the harassment stops and cops go back to busting the real threats instead of picking on some kids hoping to make a bust.
Again, this isn't aimed at all the police, this is to the ones abusing their power. You know who you are and we know who you are so lets stop the games.
Tony Helman
Caleb Wenger
Warsaw
Senior Center Problems
Editor, Times-Union:Last Thursday, as a group entered the Senior Center, we were hit by these words: Our two great friends had resigned. Our activity director and our bingo caller had both turned in their keys. They had all they could take from Mr. Felger who, by the way, is a poor choice to work with seniors as he doesn't care for them, never speaks to us, walks right by as though we weren't there. We have so many new members since Jim came there and the whole county enjoys Fun Nite. Now he's cutting down on bus service and we, who have no way to go to the doctor or the grocery, are out of luck (especially to the doctor).
We thought this center was for us to enjoy and visit. Jim had cleaned up the place so nice, had the dingy walls painted and did most himself! I hope Mr. Felger realizes we don't appreciate things he's done because he has made all very unhappy! These two men that we lost spent money of their own to make it nice for us. Mr. Felger should think about what he has done to so many people in this county!
Lillian Vogt
Warsaw
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- News Views Incomplete - Go Figure - Good Opportunity - NIMBYs Took Notice - Two Cents Worth - Gun Locks - Alcohol Permit - Lots Of Cops - Senior Center Problems
News Views Incomplete
Editor, Times-Union:Your News Views in Saturday's edition was interesting, however, incomplete. For clarification purposes please be advised of the following list of information and facts regarding a Meijer development in Warsaw. It is proposed to be located adjacent to a residential neighborhood of well over 300 plus families you creatively labeled NIMBY's (not in my backyard).
1. You stated your opinion that the people were not thinking about the best interests of Warsaw. Mr. Van Wagoner, the consumer affairs coordinator for Meijer, spoke with you about "no other land options" in the area targeted for development. There is property on U.S. 30 three-quarters of a mile west of the proposed site in question, on the south side with a large "FOR SALE" sign on it. Why did Mr. Van Wagoner say chances of Meijer shopping around Warsaw for another site "looks kind of bleak?" Could it be the cost of development for Meijer at an undeveloped intersection is cost-prohibitive when there is one already here?
2. Many people I have spoken to have never seen a Meijer store complex nestled among houses. Consider the Fort Wayne and Elkhart stores here in Indiana rather than the ones discussed in Michigan, at the Monday, April 10, courthouse public meeting. They are located outside of the major hub of the city, easy on and off the main highway. They are also all surrounded by many other retail stores, not homes or elementary schools.
3. The plan, as shown by Meijer, includes many other small retail stores adjacent for a clearer picture of the total development. It is not "just a Meijer store," folks! Get the facts clearer to make a good long-term decision. How many more vacant small business eyesores can Warsaw endure when the sales slump for the small guys? We already have a vacant store in the Wal-Mart plaza, another in the K-Mart plaza, one storefront in the 30/30 Mall and the old Owen's, just to name a few. There are many other vacant buildings in Warsaw. Does Meijer care about this dilemma? I doubt they even think about it.
4. Gary, it is location, location, location. It is not NIMBY or traffic exclusively. Your argument for a good neighbor and bringing jobs is also very weak. This does little for growth in the immediate community it serves. The jobs for most of the employees means in reality: slightly above minimum wage pay; part-time hours; minimal benefits; and very, very long hours. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The minority - store executives - will live well, while the majority - employees - if they are the major breadwinner for a family, will just barely survive.
5. Development of the Danek plant on U.S. 30 West will bring good jobs, 40 hour work weeks with good benefits, an asset to our local economy. This is an investment in a community's future. Warsaw can support families to pay for their needs with the income this industry will bring. This is an "attraction of people to the area to attract dollars," as you stated in your editorial. This type of development for a piece of land, if it must be developed as many say it will, would be a more reasonable and attractive option.
6. As far as Meijer footing the bill for the traffic, please get the facts straight. What makes any of us think Meijer really is in the business to solve our city problems? They are in the retail sales business. Meijer's traffic solution is on the north side of U.S. 30. How does that help the city that you claim does not have the bucks to "pull off" the cost of over $750,000? It only solves part of the problem again, like putting a band-aid on a hemorrhage, it will still "bleed." There are other areas along the U.S. 30 West corridor and if I were a Meijer developer, I would not "take my ball and bat and go home." Meijer is not going to fix "a decade old traffic problem" as you stated, and they did not offer to pay for all of it. If they give up that easily, in my opinion, they did not really try very hard.
7. Lastly, the overall majority of the people who did speak last week did not oppose a Meijer retail chain coming to Warsaw as your final statement implies: "It's tough to force yourself on people who act like they don't want you." The people were not focused on badmouthing the Meijer Corporation at all. They were looking at the entire picture and they see it as it really is, in the wrong location, period.
Anne Keller
Warsaw
Go Figure
Editor, Times-Union:ÊWhy do people buy houses next to a pig farm and complain of pig smell? Why do people buy houses next to an industrial corridor and complain of industry? Why do people buy houses next to an airport and complain of airport noise? Don't ask me.
Daniel Stevens
Warsaw
Good Opportunity
Editor, Times-Union:When I first read in the newspaper that Meijer was considering building a store in Warsaw, two thoughts quickly came to my mind. One was that finally, with the K-mart upgraded to a Big K and a new Super Wal-Mart, Elder-Beerman and now a Meijer, maybe people, including myself, wouldn't have to go through all of the hassle of driving out of the county as much to find what they needed. I don't think that there are very many residents of Kosciusko County that haven't been frustrated because they couldn't find what they were shopping for at one of the stores here and had to take the time and trouble to go all the way to Fort Wayne or somewhere else to get what they were looking for, or settle for something that maybe just wasn't what they wanted because they couldn't get exactly what they wanted from the limited selection that they have here. The problem is that, for the size of the town, shopping options have been very limited in this area for a long time.
Secondly, I thought of how good this could be for this county, so that more of the money that's made here would be spent here. It seemed like a win-win situation for everyone. More jobs, more tax dollars, better roads for free and more commerce in the county. The thought that the people that live in that area would object to it never entered my mind. It seems to me that the ones who could have gained the most with the better roads and shopping convenience are the ones that complained the most.
That property is a prime location for development and there are several other options that it could be used for. How many houses, condominiums or apartments could be built on the 23 or so acres that's zoned residential? Wouldn't the roads need to be improved then? And wouldn't that be at taxpayer expense? And what about the security lights and traffic from those new structures? I think that the security lighting from the outlot of a Meijer store may have been better in comparison. And what about the other 19 acres that's already zoned commercial? I'm sure that the Area Plan Commission and the Warsaw City Council did what they thought was right, but if you ask me, Meijer isn't the worst thing that could happen to that property, and might just end up to have been the best option.
Warsaw is a growing community and we need improvements like this, and I can't help but feel that we've taken a giant step backward, and that for whatever reason, a golden opportunity has been squandered.
Danny E. Graves
Claypool
NIMBYs Took Notice
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to your editorial comments of Saturday, 4/15. You succeeded in gaining the attention of those you sarcastically refer to as "nimbys." Some of your comments were without merit because you obviously did not have or understand the facts surrounding the proposed Meijer location. The question I have for you is how can you be so opinionated about the Meijer situation and live in the Syracuse lakes area? And were you in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting you so aptly denounce?
I was part of the group that canvassed the area seeking input from those who would directly be affected by the proposal and those who would be indirectly affected. I can honestly say that only one individual I spoke with was opposed to the Meijer locating in Warsaw. In the almost 98 percent that responded to and signed the petition, everyone directly or indirectly involved denounced the proposed location for all the reasons previously stated. Those individuals familiar with the Meijer stores in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka and South Bend all stated this was not the "typical" location for Meijer. There are some in similar locations, but a large number of stores do not border residential areas. And, yes, everyone concurred the traffic study was extensive; however, the study included 1995 data based on a 4 percent increase. I have not spoken with anyone who felt that even with this study that traffic was not a MAJOR issue. The entire plan commission (all eight voting members) concurred.
Meijer may prefer this site for many economic reasons, but it is not the only available site as we have learned of two others who were in contact with or in early negotiations with Meijer prior to this property. I believe Meijer can and will find a more suitable property and come to Warsaw. If nothing else, all the favorable comments Meijer has heard over the past several weeks should convince them the community will support them in the proper location and setting.
And, once again, you are correct to some degree about new jobs. Meijer will bring many retail jobs to Warsaw. What Warsaw really needs is more manufacturing, technical and medical jobs. One point to note: Meijer is not a local company. All Meijer profits with the exception of some local charity will revert back to their Corporate office in Grand Rapids, Mich. Sure, Warsaw's tax base will increase, etc., but it will not matter where they locate.
If you would have attended the 4/10 meeting, you would have noted that Joe Thallemer did an outstanding job of not only leading this meeting, but tempering it from the start. Not once did he influence the outcome of the discussion or voting. And quite frankly, he does have a responsibility to his constituency and to his community. I think he did a good job of maintaining that delicate balance that is necessary to be effective and successful.
After last Monday's meeting, I was in the Chicago area for the balance of the week and had the opportunity to watch the Joliet, Ill., city council discuss and vote on almost an identical issue. Like Warsaw, Joliet denied the request using the argument the rezoned property would be "an encroachment" to existing residential property.
It has been quite obvious, even to us "nimbys," that the Times-Union supports Meijer in this request to move to Husky Trail. It's also obvious that economic reasons play a large part in this support. One has to only look at the amount of new advertising revenue Elder-Beerman has provided the Times-Union in ROP and insert advertising since their arrival in Warsaw.
Enough said. I think you get the picture. (Monday's) meeting may or may not put some finality to this issue. The thing it will show is there are those individuals who are willing to voice their public opinions freely and honestly with the desire local government officials will listen and act accordingly.
Steve Holbrook
Warsaw
Note: Does the managing editor of the local newspaper count as one of those individuals willing to voice his public opinion freely and honestly with the desire that local government officials will listen and act accordingly?
Gary Gerard, Managing Editor
Two Cents Worth
Editor, Times-Union:As owner of Stonecreek Homes and a citizen of this community I would like to add my two cents on the Meijer issue. Before I do I would like to thank all the customers, suppliers and other friends who have shown their support with expressions of concern and endless offers of help. It continues to lift the spirits to know we have that many friends.
It may come as a surprise that I mostly agree with your assessment of the Planning decision as detailed in Saturday's New Views. I have worked on this corner for more than 14 years. I know this intersection! If traffic is the chief concern, there is no way that this community can do better than the proposal that Meijer has brought to the table. The company has approached the rezoning request in a win-win fashion, trading exhaustive research, know how and experience to solve a traffic problem for a chance to do business in Warsaw. I agree that based on other communities Meijer is a positive force. As a business person I feel the cost of moving would be offset by the increased traffic from smaller communities in a 45-mile radius of Warsaw. Please understand I speak as a tenant not as current landowner.
It is not fair to blame the city, or its past and present planners or leaders, for this intersection or other problems created by growth. Predicting the future is not a exact science. If any planner had perfect "future" vision they would not be planners, they would be semi retired, on the beach, drawing upon huge stock earnings! This town should take the time to thank these people for trying make this a better place to live and shop.
I only take issue with you regarding Joe Thallemer. I don't feel his conflict of interest is any greater that yours. I believe your Saturday column should have been prefaced with a disclosure that the Times -Union stands to benefit greatly from advertising revenues if Meijer comes to town. I place this oversight on the same level as Mr. Thallemer's actions. I am somewhat surprised by your naive tone though. I don't believe that this location is the only possible site for Meijer in this town. I would expect that any representative of Meijer to proclaim to everyone, including yourself, that this is the only chance. They want to build urgency and a sense of loss. Good sales! I think you bought!
All of this is very positive and reinforces the fact that Warsaw is the best little town in Indiana. Nowhere in this state is there this much activity and growth in a community so small. To wish for these kind of problems, spend a few days in other communities of the same size. There is no comparison.
Jeff Owens
Stonecreek Homes
Gun Locks
Editor, Times-Union:If you can't lick 'em, join 'em:
I've heard the terminology, if you can't lick 'em, join 'em, but I've never heard, if you don't want to get sued, join' em. It looks like we have another government agency, Smith and Wesson and other gun companies. I'am not sure what their jobs are yet ,they might be like the IRS, instead of taking people's money, they will be taking people's guns, as soon as the government passes the new gun laws. Then we can all go back to the stone age, and instead of keeping a loaded gun beside the bed, we can all keep a bucket of loaded rocks beside the bed, to protect our life and property, because it will be quicker to throw a rock instead of trying to find the keys to your gun lock in the middle of the night, trying to protect your family from intruders. But then the government will try to pass a rock lock law, is my guess. But hey, if enough people get hurt because of gun locks, because they can't use their guns quick enough against intruders, it is my guess that Smith and Wesson are not going to get out of very many lawsuits. Hopefully the gun companies will get out of bed with the government. Have a nice day.
Michael L. Stevens
Pierceton
Alcohol Permit
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to the April 7 article in the Times-Union "Syracuse Ministers Oppose Booze Permit."
How many is too many? Are six fast food restaurants in Syracuse too many? Are seven realtors too many? Are f14 churches too many? Or do we have multiples of each business because our country is one of Freedom of Choice and Free Enterprise?
When three ministers presume to speak for the whole congregation of nine churches, it makes me wonder about some things: The Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church is not in Syracuse and I don't believe Pastor Ralph McCoy resides here and neither does Pastor Leroy Wise of the Calvary United Methodist Church. Also Julie Hoffer, another remonstrator, resides in Milford.
When you sign a petition, you must use your home address, not the address of your place of employment. Where were all the concerned people who don't want another permit in Syracuse two years ago when Pizza King applied for and received a beer permit? Why wasn't that too many?
We have owned restaurants serving alcohol in the town of Syracuse since 1978. When Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway and Taco Bell all came here within a short time, we wished we could have stopped the competition. However, we couldn't and it made us re-examine the freedoms this country is founded on.
The state of Indiana told us there is a liquor permit available in Syracuse, so we applied for it. Anyone could have done so. We are not proposing to open an illegal or immoral establishment. We simply want to use a property we own which has always been a restaurant and try to make a living there. This is the practice of Free Enterprise.
In closing, we would like everyone to think about whether they would like a special interest group to be able to run their business, their town or their life. Or do we still live in the United States of America?
Wally and Sandy Young
Quackers Inc.
Syracuse
Lots Of Cops
Editor, Times-Union:The number of cops we see throughout town has shocked us lately. Some may say "Good, it'll help keep the community from going to hell" but if you're a teen it's a never ending battle with the boys in blue.
Ever since "operation pull-over" came into play, some cops have taken it to the extreme. True, the police have to do what they need to do to keep order in Warsaw, but harassing local youth isn't one of them.
Not only have we had a few experiences with this problem, but a couple of our friends and people we know have had some run-ins and they all have started the same way regardless if the car was moving or parked. Instead of the usual "Can I see your license and registration please" it's "I smell marijuana, why are your eyes red, have you been smoking weed?" As soon as you reply no, they ask you to step out of the car and continue pushing the issue by saying, "So if I search you right now, I'm not going to find anything." Again, if you reply no, the question "What if I search your car" pops up. If you tell them to go ahead they definitely won't find anything, they get back in their car and leave without using the proper procedures for pulling you over in the first place or giving a reason why they talked to you. The sad thing is it doesn't stop there and they watch your vehicle, hoping you'll have something the next time they see you.
We think it's time the harassment stops and cops go back to busting the real threats instead of picking on some kids hoping to make a bust.
Again, this isn't aimed at all the police, this is to the ones abusing their power. You know who you are and we know who you are so lets stop the games.
Tony Helman
Caleb Wenger
Warsaw
Senior Center Problems
Editor, Times-Union:Last Thursday, as a group entered the Senior Center, we were hit by these words: Our two great friends had resigned. Our activity director and our bingo caller had both turned in their keys. They had all they could take from Mr. Felger who, by the way, is a poor choice to work with seniors as he doesn't care for them, never speaks to us, walks right by as though we weren't there. We have so many new members since Jim came there and the whole county enjoys Fun Nite. Now he's cutting down on bus service and we, who have no way to go to the doctor or the grocery, are out of luck (especially to the doctor).
We thought this center was for us to enjoy and visit. Jim had cleaned up the place so nice, had the dingy walls painted and did most himself! I hope Mr. Felger realizes we don't appreciate things he's done because he has made all very unhappy! These two men that we lost spent money of their own to make it nice for us. Mr. Felger should think about what he has done to so many people in this county!
Lillian Vogt
Warsaw
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