- April 28, 2024
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Dear Editor:
The issue of traffic on Florida Park Drive has raised its head again. Homeowners, who apparently didn't do due diligence when purchasing their properties, want the city to fix their "problem.” It is an attitude that is very prevalent in our society today: I made a mess so government please bail me out.
Some of the proposed fixes are bizarre. Putting an island on the road would merely move the road closer to their front doors; how would it decrease traffic? Speed bumps will probably work for a while but those most impacted would the same property owners who would have to drive over them every day.
I am not sympathetic to their plight. When we purchased our home, we were very aware that we were on a heavy traffic road. Worse, our front door was directly in line with the cross street that dead-ended on the same road. We also knew that traffic in general, would get worse as more homes were built in the neighborhood.
So we took responsibility and did something about it. We poured some additional concrete on the driveway so we could avoid backing into traffic. We then planted about 50, one-gallon hedge plants that are drought-tolerant and frost-resistant. We now have a 7-foot hedge that provides privacy, shields us from the headlights from the cross street, keeps the traffic noise and pollution down and is nice to look at. Yes, it has taken years for it to grow to its present size, as we knew it would.
I drive Florida Park almost daily. I have yet to see the property owners taking any action to address their "problem.”
Edith Campins
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
I moved to Florida in 1991 and lived yards from Florida Park Drive for 10 years when I moved out for the same reasons the current City Council and mayor are addressing today. I still care for those left to endure the danger, noise, contamination and blight.
The problems got worse as new homes were built in surrounding areas. Florida Park Drive residents now have to endure semi trucks among about 8,000 vehicles a day.
I could afford to move out, but that is not a solution for most residents. Who are we, comfortably located in our homes away from traffic, to tell them, “If you do not like it, move!”
Just making it a “No Thru Truck” road will improve it, to start. Then the widening of Old Kings Road will resolve most of today’s problem.
Celia Pugliese.
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
I thought that the article on the homeless situation in Palm Coast was a classic example of why we have a homeless problem. Denise Calderwood as well as many others are contributing to the homeless problem with the short sighted attitude of give, give, give, rather than integrating these folks into a society where they have an opportunity to work be self sufficient and become valuable members of this society.
There are plenty of jobs, but do the homeless want them? In most cases, no.
I live by the homeless camp, and all I see is capable men and women.
She implies that homelessness is our community’s fault. In what way? She is doing the classic guilt trip maneuver.
She also implies that most people take for granted their houses, cars, etc. I’ve got news for Ms. Calderwood: I am a veteren, and I have worked hard to earn those things that she mentioned, as I am sure that most of you have. These things she mentioned are a byproduct of being a productive member of society and not expecting the system to give you these things.
If you give a man a fish, he will eat for one day. If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime. We need to change our mindset on this homeless problem. We are making the problem unsolvable when we adopt Ms. Calderwood's attitude.
Richard Miller
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
I’m sure that the Code Enforcement officers are doing the best job that they can with what resources they have, and they are greatly appreciated.
I have ridden all over Palm Coast now for the last 15 months, and I can honestly say that, since I have been here, I have seen some areas decline to where I would not want to live. If the gang of five and the mayor would get out of their offices and ride around these neighborhoods, they would see and understand why I am making this statement and just maybe they would do more about cleaning up this town.
Homeless camps by the library look like a tent city. Real estate management companies should be held liable for what takes place on a property if they are truly a rental management company. After all, they are getting paid to manage that property for the owner. And it’s not just the real estate management companies, it’s also the individuals that rent their own properties; they should be held liable to make sure that the properties are maintained in accordance with Palm Coast laws rules and regulations.
I really like this city. It could be a beautiful town once again with just a little help from our city officials to make sure that our laws rules and regulations are followed; after all, that’s why they applied for the job.
My motto is lead by example and set the example.
Terry Webb
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
After reading the recent letter entitled, "We don't want low-income housing here," I could hardly contain myself. Who are the "we" that Mr. Danko speaks about? "We" certainly does not include me or numerous others I know.
I believe there are many individuals in this community who are more compassionate and knowledgeable about the demographics and needs. Maybe Mr. Danko should have read the article about the plight of the homeless who threaten the health and welfare of our community. I think one reason may be a lack of "affordable housing."
Seems Mr. Danko has not read the articles and visited any of our excellent schools to witness the number of children on free or reduce meals, with some children eating two or three meals at school because they lack the resources in their home. Parents may be working one or more low wage jobs in this community just to maintain a place to stay that may include utilities.
I love living in Palm Coast, but I've lived in other communities and find that Palm Coast is not inexpensive. Living here is an option that affords a better lifestyle for some, whether retired or employed. Affordable housing could ease the stress that many seniors and parents face. It could possibly prevent some crimes committed.
We all should keep an open mind about what affordable housing means and to whom. Affordable housing should not be a stereotype but an opportunity for those in need and desire to do better. I say, "Bring it on!"
Myra Middleton-Valentine
Palm Coast
