Letters to the Editor 11.05.17

LOOP WRECKS

How many more wrecks, and deaths, before the people in control of Loop 49, do something about the safety of this highway? I’m sure it has a lot to do with phone distractions. It would’ve been nice, and safer, to have built a wider loop like the one around Athens. For a quick solution, why not use those concrete dividers the state uses when they work on the highways? I’m sure the dividers would be less money, and time, than to widen the loop.

Cliff McCoy, Tyler

Well, it’s been over a week now since the last three deaths on Toll 49, appropriately named, it would seem, as “it” is definitely taking its toll — as in death toll — on East Texans and others who have used it and have now gone on. The somewhat dispassionate comments I have heard about this continuingly appalling situation makes one, specifically myself, ponder as to exactly when a definite measure will be taken to at least improve the safety of this very dangerous throughway before it actually claims its 49th victim. Don’t know exactly how many death have occurred thus far, but would be willing to bet that this stretch of pavement has possibly now replaced “Bloody 31” as the most dangerous public transportation access in all of East Texas. My heart goes out to all of the families who have suffered painful losses since the opening of this bypass that is a risky venue for anyone, especially those who travel at night or during the early morning hours, as evidenced by its history.

John Williams, Rusk

IT’S THE PEOPLE

The (Associated Press story) in Saturday’s newpaper, “Year after Santa Fe shootings, tougher firearm storage law languishes in Texas Legislature,” would have been comical if it weren’t so pathetic. It seems people, especially politicians, will never learn. It’s not the guns! It’s the people. And no law can prevent some deranged individual from getting a gun. That has been proven many times by similar legal actions. For example, prohibition moved alcohol to back alleys, abortion was moved from the alleys to legal places, and even some drugs are becoming legally acceptable. Laws cannot prevent irrational individuals from committing violent acts against others — using guns, knives, clubs or whatever! Regarding gun violence, more effort should be centered on controlling violent or unstable individuals. And when a gun is used, the individual is obviously insane and that should not be admitted as a defense.

Norm Beavers, Tyler

NO TO MULTIFAMILY

Please understand that hundreds of Tyler citizens strongly opposed the recent Genovov request for “multifamily zoning on the south side of Hollytree Drive. The reasons were many, including damage to existing property values in prime Tyler Hollytree, Oak Hollow and other nearby neighborhoods.

Thankfully, the City Council eliminated the “apartment tract” and then passed the balance of that zoning request.

Now, West Cumberland LLC is requesting multifamily zoning on a long stretch of HollyTree Drive! An in-your-face affront to citizens trying to protect the value of their existing property. The Planning and Zoning Commission should void this request, and if not, the Tyler City Council should unanimously vote down this and all repeated requests for multifamily zoning in this area!

Finally, citizens deserve better treatment and should not have to constantly battle City Hall to protect their existing home values!

Harry Bergman, Tyler