Letters to the Editor

Zoo gate is not an answer

10/1/2011

I am shocked to learn of the Toledo Zoo's latest plan to install another gate on Amherst Drive ("Traffic gates proposed for zoo neighborhood," Sept. 27).

Although the construction, refuse, and service vehicles were noisy from time to time, another gate will close off Harvard Terrace from the zoo's facilities. The zoo operates few large vehicles and does not generate noise other than the soothing sounds of its inhabitants.

The zoo's gate on Amherst malfunctioned on several occasions when we lived across the street. One breakdown took several days to repair.

What if a new gate malfunctions? The police and fire departments enter Amherst from Anthony Wayne Trail. Will their response times be extended by even a few seconds waiting for a gate to open? Seconds can be a matter of life or death.

Gating the community will create a structural barrier to the enjoyment of this beautiful older neighborhood. Building another man-made traffic impediment will isolate the zoo without addressing the true issues of the neighborhood and its constricted space.

Linda McMahon

Petersburg, Mich.

Garden enriches lives of many

I am impressed by Yvonne Mitcham and the My Brother's Keeper Garden on Islington Street in the Old West End ("Uniting a community with gardening," Sept. 24).

This garden has drawn together an entire neighborhood for the benefit of everyone. Ms. Mitcham's attitude toward the "shoppers" who come to the garden is born of her love for her fellow man.

I toured the garden early in the 2010 growing season. It was, to say the least, sparse.

But now I have a picture of a thriving, productive, and successful community garden that has enriched the lives of many people, young and old.

The community garden is an example of what great things can be accomplished by one person's determination.

Chris Epstein

Sylvania

Share what you have with others

What a great article about one lady's dream to help get fresh vegetables to those who can't afford them.

Can you imagine large gardens full of vegetables in place of huge, manicured lawns? That's a dream some of us have -- share what you have with others who are less fortunate.

Johanna Schwind

Delta, Ohio

Spirit of goodness alive in Toledo

My fourth graders at Longfellow School recently read a story about a little city girl who started a garden on a vacant lot. The theme was: One person can make a difference.

Yvonne Mitcham and her fellow gardeners epitomize the spirit and goodness of Toledo's citizens.

Kathy Mockensturm

Hampsford Circle