LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Potholes better than no trees
6/20/2013My beautiful tree-lined street is slowly turning into a desert, like so many other streets in Toledo (“Can the city listen?”, editorial, June 17).
The city has begun to cut down trees near the street, despite the objections of many residents. Apparently, the city cannot make improvements to streets, sidewalks, or infrastructure without cutting down hundreds if not thousands of trees.
I have complained about the condition of my street for years. But given the choice between no trees and potholes, I would live with the potholes. So much for shade, birds, or trees.
JOHN BADHORN
Commonwealth Avenue
Save trees; tend to Southwyck site
I have relatives who live near Cherrylawn Drive in South Toledo. I first knew of the deforestation of their area when I saw save-the-tree signs.
Before I could find out what was going on, the trees started coming down. The city has never acted so quickly.
I live near what used to be Southwyck Mall. I’m tired of looking at that wasteland. City officials have poor priorities.
I can’t figure out who they are trying to please. It’s certainly not Toledo’s residents. Election Day can’t come soon enough.
WILLIAM BURKHARDT
Heatherdowns Boulevard
West End panel should do more
As a longtime resident of the Old West End, I’ve wondered what the streetscape committee of the Old West End Association does (“City’s work in West End appreciated,” Readers’ Forum, May 28). Apparently, its members write letters to The Blade.
Where was this committee when the city announced final plans for Collingwood Avenue reconstruction two years ago? The association accepted the city’s plans for Collingwood reconstruction without objection.
What has the streetscape committee chairman done to pursue any effort that benefits the neighborhood?
MAX TOBIAS
Parkwood Avenue
East side looked shabby for visitors
What are Toledo Mayor Mike Bell and City Council doing to the east side? I went to see the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall this month at International Park. The conditions of the park and The Docks were ridiculous.
In the lagoon were garbage and dead fish, making the area smell bad. The area along the Maumee River looked like it hasn’t been cleaned in years.
When I got to a restaurant, there sat Mayor Bell, holding court. He and council members knew long ago this wall was coming. It would have been nice to clean up the area for people who were making a special trip to the city to see the wall.
CARL ZELLNER
Waterville