Letters to the Editor 12-28-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Menards Good For Us - Late Night TV - Menards Challenge - Menards Location
Menards Good For Us
Editor, Times-Union:I want to say how much I enjoyed reading Mr. Gerard's "News Views" on Dec. 17.
I can not believe how this county wants to grow with all its "new housing additions," 12 to 14 just in the last year or so, but they don't want new jobs to come into our area. Places like Menards and Meijer, etc. hire area people and help the economy. Do the commissioners only wish to have people build and move in the area, but have to go out of the county to do major shopping?
I really thought when they let Lowe's and Kohl's build that we would see other retailers come into the area and make it a better place to shop and keep "our" money here in Warsaw.
Have they looked at our real estate book each month? It gets thicker and thicker. Have you noticed the number of houses shown that are empty? Does that tell you anything? Some are empty because people have lost jobs and couldn't make the payments, others are empty because people aren't making enough to make the payments, others are up for sale due to someone taking a job out of our area and moving away. But, either way, new retailers and restaurants bring jobs that would make things better for Warsaw and Kosciusko County.
Commissioners, think about everyone in the county, not just the choice few, who would complain about just about anything, just to have something to do. Consider letting in new business and growth for all of us!
The last few years our national economy was held up by new home starts, that won't and hasn't lasted forever, just look at all the new additions, now sitting somewhat idle. We'll need something to take its place, to give us that jump start. Why not Menards, etc.?
Concerned Lifetime Resident
Cathy Lundgren
Warsaw, via e-mail
Late Night TV
Editor, Times-Union:I have lately been watching late night infomercials which is an utterly inane avocation, but it has yielded some amazing cultural insights. And there is actually a pretty good explanation why I do it. You see, we are the parents of five children between the ages of 12 and 20. This means that until they are all in bed and asleep I cannot rest.
Christmas vacation poses an especially challenging time because some of them try to stay up all night and sleep all day. They say they have trouble sleeping, but remembering my activities as a teen I sometimes suspect other things at work. I subscribe to the maxim of my wife's Grandma Wood - nothing good happens after midnight. Short of hiring Pinkerton security I am resolved to ensure that only good happens in my house. This means that any noise, however innocent, keeps me awake until they are all asleep. And then I cannot go back to sleep. Consequently, I have been scanning the late night channels which is really the theme of this exposition.
Late night TV is the ultimate litmus test of American culture, especially the infomercials. Here is what I have discovered being huckstered between 2 and 4 a.m. First are the host of religious salesmen. Many are selling the idea that if you send them money, God will bless you with wealth and health. There is a man named Popoff selling "miracle water" for the right donation. There is a black man in dreadlocks and a priestly collar selling prophecies. On one religious station they spend a good deal of time selling food supplements with a woman whose facelift makes her look like an alien. And there is handsome man named Robert Tilton selling blessings. He reminds me more of a game show host or a politician.
That is just the beginning. There are a whole bunch of infomercials on how to get rid of your fat - use the right exercise device, buy fat-burning pills, buy pre-prepared food (Dan Marino brags about his weight loss while he eats teeny hamburger), wear a device that shocks your abs, and on and on it goes.
There are, of course, devices for the home - robot vacuums, lightweight vacuums, air cleaners, water purifiers etc.
Then there are the sexual supplements. Apparently, one can buy pills to enhance the size of the male organ and show it off to the neighborhood. Pills are also available to enhance the desire for sex. And then there are those colleges babes. I believe they call it something about girls going wild. (My wife corrected me and said it is "Girls Gone Wild." What has she been watching?) I know nobody will believe me but I skip those. Really, guys, I am pretty familiar with the end result of that instinctual drive.
The only really genuine sales going on is the Home Shopping Network. But I cannot bring myself to watch that. I have a complete aversion to shopping in any form (unless it is Gander Mountain) and I feel that familiar sense of nausea if I stay on HSN more than a few seconds.
These infomercials tell us a lot about us. And it is a little unsettling. How we spend money demonstrates what we value, and what we value shows where are hearts are. The best I can tell, we are most interested in sex, health, eternal youth and cheap blessings from above.
I would like to go on with great insights and words of wisdom but I just came upon an infomercial for how to be free of the addiction to informercials. It looks like its only three easy installments of $29.95 and the girl selling the program is awfully cute ... so Happy New Year. Where is that channel controller? The kids always lose it.
David C. Kolbe
Warsaw, via e-mail
Menards Challenge
Editor, Times-Union:I had to chuckle at your News Views column regarding the Menards thing.
As a concerned tax-paying city resident that is affected byÊdeer reduction, one-way streets and big box store issues, I have attended the various meetings to become informed about what the plan commission and city council are dealing with. IÊbelieve thatÊthe general public isÊnot aware of the following. Before any zoning changes take place, the state of IndianaÊsays there are a number of criteria to consider by all ofÊthe members of these boards: (1) the comprehensive plan's direction for development within the surrounding area; (2) current conditions and character of structures and uses within the area; (3) the most desirable use for which the land is adapted; (4) responsible growth and development for the city and surrounding area; (5) impact on surrounding developments and properties. This information is available at the city planner's office.ÊJeff Grose mentioned this criteria at last week's plan commission meeting. So this means that the members of theÊplan commission and the city council must feel very good about all items in order to vote "yes" on rezoning 21 additional acres from residential R-1 (most restrictive) to commercial C-3 (least restrictive).
I tried to find the answer to the questionÊthat you eluded to in your column as to who led MenardsÊto believe that they could put a large P-5 size store at the proposed location? The Goshen store was built as a P-3 size store years ago. The recent Fort Wayne 14/69 store is a P-5 size store. Menards only builds one size store and the current size is P-5.ÊIf the planners of the city of Warsaw in years past have allocated the existing 20 acres as C-3 zoning, then they haveÊintentionally limited the size of commercial development for that specific area and intersection for a reason. Someone has led Menards to believe that if they complete the required steps and expense and get the zoning changed on an additional 21 acres, then they can proceed with a comprehensive plan and pay the millions that you eluded to for the infrastructure and road changes needed.ÊAs I see it, theÊcity councilÊhas to feel very goodÊabout answering the above mentioned criteria questions positively in order to allow a rezoning change.
Menards has already spent a ton of money to get to this stage and I would like to see them locate here but this location is not without its challenges and existing problems.
IÊcommend your people for the accurateÊcoverage and reports ofÊrecent meetings.
Dan L. Smith
Warsaw, via e-mail
Menards Location
Editor, Times-Union:First, I would like to say that I am in favor of Menards, Meijer or any other big box store coming to Warsaw. However, the request to place a Menards at the intersection of Husky Trail and Patterson road is ludicrous.
When we built our house in 1978, the Helser addition was the only development in the area, either residential or commercial. Since that time we have seen a number of apartment and residential developments spring up on both Husky Trail and Patterson Road. In addition, Harrison Elementary and a small professional park that includes North Pointe Theaters have also been added.
All of this development has created traffic congestion, not only at the intersection of Husky Trail and Patterson Road, but a remarkable increase of traffic on both roads. Adding a big box store to this area will simply compound this problem. The proposed changes to the intersection that is included in the Menards proposal will not eliminate this problem. It will simply improve it at the U.S. 30 intersection only.
There continues to be residential development in this area, which is to be expected. This area of Warsaw should be left for that type of development only. The city of Warsaw is responsible and should correct the traffic flow problem it created without relying on a commercial development to resolve it. Much of the growth issues Warsaw has experienced are because of the spot zoning that has taken place over the years, and the addition of a Menards would just be another case of it.
Warsaw has a number of areas that are suited for big box developments, including the U.S. 30 corridor east of Center Street and Ind. 15, north of U.S. 30. These are the areas big box stores development should be encouraged, not in predominantly residential areas.
I would suggest that the city council develop a true master plan for the growth of Warsaw and stick to such a plan. That will eliminate these types of controversy and will help businesses coming to town to decide on where they would like to build.
Walter Ruegner
Warsaw, via e-mail
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- Menards Good For Us - Late Night TV - Menards Challenge - Menards Location
Menards Good For Us
Editor, Times-Union:I want to say how much I enjoyed reading Mr. Gerard's "News Views" on Dec. 17.
I can not believe how this county wants to grow with all its "new housing additions," 12 to 14 just in the last year or so, but they don't want new jobs to come into our area. Places like Menards and Meijer, etc. hire area people and help the economy. Do the commissioners only wish to have people build and move in the area, but have to go out of the county to do major shopping?
I really thought when they let Lowe's and Kohl's build that we would see other retailers come into the area and make it a better place to shop and keep "our" money here in Warsaw.
Have they looked at our real estate book each month? It gets thicker and thicker. Have you noticed the number of houses shown that are empty? Does that tell you anything? Some are empty because people have lost jobs and couldn't make the payments, others are empty because people aren't making enough to make the payments, others are up for sale due to someone taking a job out of our area and moving away. But, either way, new retailers and restaurants bring jobs that would make things better for Warsaw and Kosciusko County.
Commissioners, think about everyone in the county, not just the choice few, who would complain about just about anything, just to have something to do. Consider letting in new business and growth for all of us!
The last few years our national economy was held up by new home starts, that won't and hasn't lasted forever, just look at all the new additions, now sitting somewhat idle. We'll need something to take its place, to give us that jump start. Why not Menards, etc.?
Concerned Lifetime Resident
Cathy Lundgren
Warsaw, via e-mail
Late Night TV
Editor, Times-Union:I have lately been watching late night infomercials which is an utterly inane avocation, but it has yielded some amazing cultural insights. And there is actually a pretty good explanation why I do it. You see, we are the parents of five children between the ages of 12 and 20. This means that until they are all in bed and asleep I cannot rest.
Christmas vacation poses an especially challenging time because some of them try to stay up all night and sleep all day. They say they have trouble sleeping, but remembering my activities as a teen I sometimes suspect other things at work. I subscribe to the maxim of my wife's Grandma Wood - nothing good happens after midnight. Short of hiring Pinkerton security I am resolved to ensure that only good happens in my house. This means that any noise, however innocent, keeps me awake until they are all asleep. And then I cannot go back to sleep. Consequently, I have been scanning the late night channels which is really the theme of this exposition.
Late night TV is the ultimate litmus test of American culture, especially the infomercials. Here is what I have discovered being huckstered between 2 and 4 a.m. First are the host of religious salesmen. Many are selling the idea that if you send them money, God will bless you with wealth and health. There is a man named Popoff selling "miracle water" for the right donation. There is a black man in dreadlocks and a priestly collar selling prophecies. On one religious station they spend a good deal of time selling food supplements with a woman whose facelift makes her look like an alien. And there is handsome man named Robert Tilton selling blessings. He reminds me more of a game show host or a politician.
That is just the beginning. There are a whole bunch of infomercials on how to get rid of your fat - use the right exercise device, buy fat-burning pills, buy pre-prepared food (Dan Marino brags about his weight loss while he eats teeny hamburger), wear a device that shocks your abs, and on and on it goes.
There are, of course, devices for the home - robot vacuums, lightweight vacuums, air cleaners, water purifiers etc.
Then there are the sexual supplements. Apparently, one can buy pills to enhance the size of the male organ and show it off to the neighborhood. Pills are also available to enhance the desire for sex. And then there are those colleges babes. I believe they call it something about girls going wild. (My wife corrected me and said it is "Girls Gone Wild." What has she been watching?) I know nobody will believe me but I skip those. Really, guys, I am pretty familiar with the end result of that instinctual drive.
The only really genuine sales going on is the Home Shopping Network. But I cannot bring myself to watch that. I have a complete aversion to shopping in any form (unless it is Gander Mountain) and I feel that familiar sense of nausea if I stay on HSN more than a few seconds.
These infomercials tell us a lot about us. And it is a little unsettling. How we spend money demonstrates what we value, and what we value shows where are hearts are. The best I can tell, we are most interested in sex, health, eternal youth and cheap blessings from above.
I would like to go on with great insights and words of wisdom but I just came upon an infomercial for how to be free of the addiction to informercials. It looks like its only three easy installments of $29.95 and the girl selling the program is awfully cute ... so Happy New Year. Where is that channel controller? The kids always lose it.
David C. Kolbe
Warsaw, via e-mail
Menards Challenge
Editor, Times-Union:I had to chuckle at your News Views column regarding the Menards thing.
As a concerned tax-paying city resident that is affected byÊdeer reduction, one-way streets and big box store issues, I have attended the various meetings to become informed about what the plan commission and city council are dealing with. IÊbelieve thatÊthe general public isÊnot aware of the following. Before any zoning changes take place, the state of IndianaÊsays there are a number of criteria to consider by all ofÊthe members of these boards: (1) the comprehensive plan's direction for development within the surrounding area; (2) current conditions and character of structures and uses within the area; (3) the most desirable use for which the land is adapted; (4) responsible growth and development for the city and surrounding area; (5) impact on surrounding developments and properties. This information is available at the city planner's office.ÊJeff Grose mentioned this criteria at last week's plan commission meeting. So this means that the members of theÊplan commission and the city council must feel very good about all items in order to vote "yes" on rezoning 21 additional acres from residential R-1 (most restrictive) to commercial C-3 (least restrictive).
I tried to find the answer to the questionÊthat you eluded to in your column as to who led MenardsÊto believe that they could put a large P-5 size store at the proposed location? The Goshen store was built as a P-3 size store years ago. The recent Fort Wayne 14/69 store is a P-5 size store. Menards only builds one size store and the current size is P-5.ÊIf the planners of the city of Warsaw in years past have allocated the existing 20 acres as C-3 zoning, then they haveÊintentionally limited the size of commercial development for that specific area and intersection for a reason. Someone has led Menards to believe that if they complete the required steps and expense and get the zoning changed on an additional 21 acres, then they can proceed with a comprehensive plan and pay the millions that you eluded to for the infrastructure and road changes needed.ÊAs I see it, theÊcity councilÊhas to feel very goodÊabout answering the above mentioned criteria questions positively in order to allow a rezoning change.
Menards has already spent a ton of money to get to this stage and I would like to see them locate here but this location is not without its challenges and existing problems.
IÊcommend your people for the accurateÊcoverage and reports ofÊrecent meetings.
Dan L. Smith
Warsaw, via e-mail
Menards Location
Editor, Times-Union:First, I would like to say that I am in favor of Menards, Meijer or any other big box store coming to Warsaw. However, the request to place a Menards at the intersection of Husky Trail and Patterson road is ludicrous.
When we built our house in 1978, the Helser addition was the only development in the area, either residential or commercial. Since that time we have seen a number of apartment and residential developments spring up on both Husky Trail and Patterson Road. In addition, Harrison Elementary and a small professional park that includes North Pointe Theaters have also been added.
All of this development has created traffic congestion, not only at the intersection of Husky Trail and Patterson Road, but a remarkable increase of traffic on both roads. Adding a big box store to this area will simply compound this problem. The proposed changes to the intersection that is included in the Menards proposal will not eliminate this problem. It will simply improve it at the U.S. 30 intersection only.
There continues to be residential development in this area, which is to be expected. This area of Warsaw should be left for that type of development only. The city of Warsaw is responsible and should correct the traffic flow problem it created without relying on a commercial development to resolve it. Much of the growth issues Warsaw has experienced are because of the spot zoning that has taken place over the years, and the addition of a Menards would just be another case of it.
Warsaw has a number of areas that are suited for big box developments, including the U.S. 30 corridor east of Center Street and Ind. 15, north of U.S. 30. These are the areas big box stores development should be encouraged, not in predominantly residential areas.
I would suggest that the city council develop a true master plan for the growth of Warsaw and stick to such a plan. That will eliminate these types of controversy and will help businesses coming to town to decide on where they would like to build.
Walter Ruegner
Warsaw, via e-mail
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