Editor, Times-Union: I would like to alert my fellow Phillips Addition residents that Zimmer Manufacturing is making a proposal that could change our neighborhood as we know it.
Zimmer is proposing to install a 50-foot right-of-way public street between Hepler Drive and Zimmer Road, along the north side of their property which abuts Phillips Addition. If approved, the immediate effects would include lack of privacy and increased noise levels for the several properties that now touch the Zimmer parking lot. If approved, the future effects could include a dramatic increase in traffic in our neighborhood, thus destroying the peaceful character that we now enjoy.
Please let me explain: The southern tip of Rosemont Drive is currently a grassy lot which abuts a vacant lot and the proposed new road. So, it would be very easy for Rosemont to be connected to the new public street. If that happens, our pedestrian friendly oval would become Hepler II. Also, it would only make sense for Zimmer to purchase the vacant lots to replace the parking spots they will have lost building the new street.
A second, and scarier scenario, is that Zimmer will propose to divert West Center Street to the new road. This would give their current and future buildings a campus effect, and it would ruin our neighborhood.
Some may think these worries are for nothing. But someone please answer me: Why else would Zimmer give up many valuable parking spots to put in a public street?
I am all for capital expansion, but I wish Zimmer would look to all that land between Center Street and the railroad tracks, and leave Phillips Addition in peace.
I urge all Phillips residents to attend the public hearing, July 11, at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers. I urge anyone interested in preserving private property rights to also attend.
Thank you. Brad Green Warsaw, via e-mail
Fireworks Too Late
Editor, Times-Union: Again this year, my grandson (age 5) missed the wonderful fireworks at Winona Lake. He fell asleep at 10 p.m. He had been so excited to see the fireworks this year since he fell asleep last year and missed them also. All of our grandchildren left the lake before the fireworks started last year.
He woke up Sunday morning and said, "Mommy, I promise I won't fall asleep tonight for the fireworks." Of course, he didn't realize there wouldn't be anymore.
The fireworks were advertised to be at dusk. I think 10:20 p.m. was a little bit past dusk. Hopefully next year they will start earlier and my grandson will be able to see them.
James Manwaring Warsaw, via e-mail
Goose Problem
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing in response to the Goose letter. I am by no stretch of the imagination a PETA advocate. I also know and accept that God gave us control and dominion over all animals. However, I have never quite understood why people tend to move into areas and then complain about their surroundings.
Geese live on and near water. It is natural for them to relieve themselves in the water and surrounding ground. Somehow this just makes sense. If I did not want to deal with the problems of lake living, I would not buy the property. Along with the beauty and fun of the water come some natural problems and responsibilities that have always been there, i.e. goose droppings.
I do not know an appropriate answer and the reason of this letter is not to offer one. It is to suggest that sometimes where we choose to live also includes choices of all that goes with it.
I am not picking on Ms Hawn. Her letter is just another example of people not taking responsibility for where they choose to live.
Kathleen Goble Warsaw, via e-mail
Drug Debate
Editor, Times-Union: The debate about psychiatric drugs has been all over the media with Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields squaring off.
While it's unfortunate that individuals are fighting, it's about time we started debating this issue.
I have three children and several times when they were growing up, I was strongly urged by teachers to put them onto some drug or another. They were normal, healthy kids who enjoyed playing in class as well as out on the playground. Many parents would take such "encouragement" and run to the nearest doctor for a prescription. Thank goodness a new law just passed outlawing schools from forcing parents to medicate their kids.
Just like my kids were normal to be boisterous, it's normal to feel lethargic and drained as a new mother, sleeping only a couple of hours at a time and dealing with new responsibilities. Drugs are not the answer to either of these problems.
