|
|
 Letters to the Editor – Dec. 21, 2007 |
 |
 |
|
|
Respect People; Silence Snowmobiles To The Editor: This is an open letter to the Sharon Springs Central School Board of Education: I am writing to ask that you ban snowmobile access across school property. This activity is a nuisance which brings nothing to the school experience of young people in this school district, except the threat of personal injury and liability risk for the district itself. If a student or parent is injured by a snowmobile, the entire school district will feel bad and pay dearly. During the winter months I work at home, and I cannot concentrate on my work with the intense noise generated by snowmobiles behind my house. (On weekends up to a 100 a day, and on weekdays 4-11 p.m., groups of five to 20.) This causes me to wonder how your faculty would react if I ran my chain saw outside their windows while they were trying to teach. Air quality is also an issue. Since they are less than a 100 feet from my back door, I smell their exhaust in my kitchen! The current Sharon Springs Noise Ordinance states: “It shall be unlawful to cause, encourage, or permit disturbing or loud noise in the Village of Sharon Springs. Disturbing or loud noise is that which is excessive, prolonged, unusual, unnecessary or irritating to persons of normal sensibility in consideration of time, place and circumstance.” Surely, respect for the intention of this law would lead a fair-minded person to conclude that it was designed to protect village residents from exactly the effects of snowmobile intrusions, especially given the number that travel school property behind my home. The ping-pong snowmobile defense which results in the school deferring to the village and the village deferring to the school must end. It is, in fact, the school board that is ultimately accountable for allowing snowmobiles to access the Village across school property. There are existing trails one mile south of the village, which allow snowmobiles to get gas and food at a business on Route 20 without crossing school property or disturbing a residential neighborhood. The existence of a constituency for this noisy, polluting activity does not mean the school board must sacrifice public space, air quality, and the peace and quiet of the center of Sharon Springs. If our village has a village common, it is the taxpayer-supported property around our school. Currently it is unsafe to ski or walk on this land when snowmobiles have access to it. I saw a poster in the post office. It stated: “The Sharon Springs Central School character trait for December is RESPECT.” And I believe this is what this issue is about: RESPECT. MICHAEL WHALING Sharon Springs It’s Up To Us To Raise Funds And Build Park To The Editor: I have always believed that Cooperstown is the perfect place to raise a family. It is also one of the few towns I have been to that is lacking a public playground. Now the reality of a playground for Cooperstown’s young children is finally in our sights. The village’s approval of a playground at Badger Park (formerly Village Gardens) located behind the Great American, is an exciting step for the Cooperstown community. The plan, however, is merely the first step. Funding this playground is our charge. Whether you have pre-school-aged children or whether you have ever enjoyed the thrill of being pushed in a swing yourself, I encourage you all to be a part of this effort. Happy and healthy children benefit the entire community. Currently, the Friends of the Parks, Inc. is seeking donations on behalf of the Badger Park Playground fund. Donations may be mailed to Friends of the Parks, Inc., P.O. Box 1008, Cooperstown, NY 13326. I hope that you will join me in support of these efforts. CARI LIFGREN Cooperstown | Letters- Nov. 23, 2007 | Letters- Dec. 14, 2007 | Letters- Dec.21, 2007 | Letters- Jan. 04, 2007 | Letters- Feb.1, 2008 | Letters- Feb. 15, 2008 | Letters- Feb.22, 2008 | Letters- Feb,29, 2008 | | Our Services | Contact Us | Great Links | Return Home | Classified Ads | News Archive | Cooperstown Homes | Calendar -Best Bets | Letters to the Editor | |
||
 |
 |
