Soapbox / Letters From Readers
I am deeply concerned about the evisceration of a large parcel of land surrounding a beautiful lake.
We must find a way to stop the destruction of an area that should be accessible to the public. Let's be creative. Isn't there some way to add public bike trails or walking paths? Public accessibility to the lake?
Instead of fragmenting the ecosystem that is required for new development, isn't there a way that can be beneficial to both the area's preservation and for the community?
Development is one thing. Overdevelopment is another.
We realize that the developers' foresight is for economic growth and their need to make a profit -- which is part of our American way of life -- but, the developer also needs to realize that with that foresight he inherits responsibilities to the community.
Few developers seem to be in the business of giving more than they take. Community values and development growth must be a true win-win. Too often the community is the loser. Too often the ''benefits'' the community receives are trifling and temporary while the damage is enormous and lasting. Pollution and congestion increase as quality of life decreases.
Too often we're fighting the same fight, discussing the same issues against developers who have endless resources and negligible concern for the communities they are targeting.
Is traffic, pollution, and, density worth another new office park project?
Have our council members actually toured and scrutinized the area in question?
There seems to be a disturbing pattern of squeezing multiple units and commercial buildings on these new sites between Southwest 128th and 132nd streets. It seems our zoning allows the buildings to extend right up to the building line and right up to the building next to it.
What is the vision of our council for this neighborhood's future?
It's past time that we, the community, stand up and speak in a united and powerful voice within our community for positive change.
This barrage of ''industrial'' development in our community is making us extremely concerned that what is already unacceptable congestion will turn into gridlock, choking our streets even further.
Again, where is the vision to bring back the quality of life to families. Over and over I hear of people leaving this area for this very reason.
The issue, then, seems to be how to channel the very strong momentum of economic development that exists in West Kendall, while protecting and enhancing the residential nature of the area. This area's development should be evaluated in terms of compatibility and potential adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.
Many residents believe this office project is not in the interests of our children because scarce public green playing space is available.
Doesn't the power to decide land use belong to the voters?
Shouldn't we as citizens of the community have the final voice for these changes?
We are tired of bad development that increases our taxes, ruins our communities, and, wrecks our quality of life.
We should be preserving more land, not less. As we alter our environment, we alter our future. We have reached a tipping point, and, if we do not change our ways, will we look back and ask: When did we forget to say enough is enough?
This land, despite the mauling of this acreage, should remain as preservation lands to protect the water, and, to protect the animals that rely upon this habitat! This lake can only augment the already existing preservation site across the street.
We need to protect our land for the people who will inherit it. We all want the same things: safe streets, good jobs, great schools, clean neighborhoods and strong communities. We don't want to settle for status quo, for mediocrity. We deserve better than just ''good.'' We deserve ''greatness,'' and, we should not settle or sell out. We can do better.
We, the supporters of Hidden Lake Park, are asking the committee consider downsizing the zoning of this 15-acre tract, or, at least a portion therein, to preserve the quality of life that draws and keeps residents and families.
Once the land is built up surrounding this large beautiful lake, it will be done. It will be gone. There will be no getting it back for the future.
Please, Mr. Developer, though you don't live in our community, please work with us to help us preserve ours.
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