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Letters

Darryl Clark: Time to embrace progress and growth in Amherst

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: I love Amherst, but we have trouble making pro-business decisions. It costs us in tax collection and in decreased school funding. Some years ago, we rejected a real parking garage, a short-sighted decision that made parking worse in town. Recently, we rejected smart growth/zoning in a near-moribund North Amherst. And now, I fear, a take-no-prisoners attack on “The Retreat” may preclude a fair hearing for student housing … 0

Sara Elkins & Mark Cote: Preserve founder’s mission at Smith Vocational

Sunday, May 19, 2013

To the editor: We have never seen so many Northampton public school administrators put in their resignations during the same year. There are people leaving and the Northampton school board is struggling as is, with these changes, how are they realistically going to take on the day-to-day budget and purchasing decisions of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School? Independence is the reason Smith … 0

Jeff Lacy, Jon Thompson and Paul Vlach: Why did Shutesbury need to increase taxes?

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: Fewer than 100 residents made major decisions at Shutesbury’s Town Meeting May 4. For at least the fourth consecutive year, everyone’s property taxes were raised by the maximum allowable, 2.5 percent, or $108,000 this time. The increase will show up in our tax bills, but was not needed to run the town in fiscal 2014. Rather, the entire amount will … 0

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Jack Hirsch: Why has town of Amherst retreated from Master Plan?

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: We in Amherst are very sensitive to the accusation of being “unfriendly” to business, and thus anti-development. It seems that we are finally at the point at which we accept any development, and questioning it “proves” we are against development and against expanding the tax … 0

Michael Howard: Time for ‘Retreat’ sides to come together

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: On April 16, over 50 residents of Amherst met with the representatives of Landmark Properties at Jones Library where we learned of their intention to build 191 houses for over 700 students on 150 acres owned by Cinda Jones that directly abuts Cushman Village. At … 0

John Olson: Urge U.S. Rep. Neal to back expanded gun checks

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: Nine in 10 Americans support expanded background checks to reduce gun violence, but the gun lobby is working overtime to kill any meaningful legislation such as H.R. 1565 in the U.S. Congress. We need to urge U.S. Rep. Richard Neal to support expanding background checks … 0

Gina Wyman, Rebecca Belcher-Timme: Loss of Easthampton schools’ positions a concern

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: We were distressed to learn that the administrators of the Easthampton Public Schools are proposing to eliminate the school adjustment counselor positions at Maple, Center and Pepin, the three elementary schools in the district. As Maple School parents and as educators, we have many concerns. … 0

Joe Bodin: Unrepaired Amherst roads are the worst

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: At the Amherst Town Meeting, members asked why there are so many potholes. A major reason why the roads are getting progressively worse is the town does very little, if any, preventative maintenance. Several years ago, when asked why Amherst does not fill its road … 0

Paul Borneo: Local traffic only on North Street during construction

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: I live on North Street next to the sewer construction and we’re having a ongoing problem here with dust. Starting at 7 a.m. each weekday, the road is closed for construction. Work ends at 3:30 p.m. and the road opens to two-way traffic. However, on … 0

Kent Hicks: A tip of the hat to Amherst Woodworking

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: Thank you Amherst Woodworking. It is unfortunate that Copper Beech Millwork/Amherst Woodworking will be closing their doors. The Valley and region are architecturally richer because of the large selection of finely detailed moldings, custom cabinetry and beautiful hardwoods that Amherst Woodworking supplied. Their offerings were … 0

Jeff Hinrichs: Keep JFK pool open on weekends

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: I wholeheartedly agree that the JFK pool should remain open on the weekends (editorial, “JFK pool a community gem,” May 9). It is the only public pool in the area and is a vibrant part of the community. It is well-used by all ages: adult … 0

Tom McBride: In Amherst, it’s not always good to resist change

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: With buses, and cars, I don’t think the students will find The Retreat too far from campus. We want things to stay the same in town, but it’s not our job to micromanage, nor is it our right. We have lives better than many others … 0

Joshua Mintzer: Don’t let darker natures rule the day

Friday, May 17, 2013

To the editor: With regards to a recent letter-writer’s proclamation that “Even in Easthampton, we have begun to fear walking down the streets,” I loudly state he does not speak for me, nor, I am certain, for many other residents of our city. Certainly, it can feel like … 0