Letters To The Editor

To the Editor:

As owner of Tavern Company and an active member of the Cedar Lee Special Improvement District, I’m particularly interested in the economic sustainability of the Cedar Lee Business District. After observing the area and analyzing online reviews placed by visitors to Cedar Lee, it has become clear that parking during the weekend is a major concern. If visitors experience difficulty or are unable to find parking, they are inclined to keep driving and patronize another businesses district elsewhere.

I and several other Cedar Lee business owners have developed a plan to improve the visitor experience on Lee Road through the addition of a valet parking zone along the street.

To the Editor:

I am perplexed by the article [in the October issue] which spelled out the businesses that have closed on Lee Road.

The article did not mention that new and interesting businesses have opened up.

• The sandwich shop Black Box Fix replaced Sweetie Fry.
• Momo's Kebab replaced Phiner Bistro.
• Joey’s Italian Bistro replaced Jimmy O’Neal’s Pub.
• In addition, the Buddhist Center is occupying a large space that has long been an eyesore since the pet store left.

To the Editor:

I recently concluded attendance at the Cleveland Heights Citizen’s Police Academy. What a wonderful learning opportunity this experience was. My mind was stretched as I gained an understanding of the work of our police department.

At the first class of the academy, we were taught the definition of “crime.” A crime is anything that breaks a law. Things are legal or they are not legal, based on statutes in the criminal code and ordinances.

Citizens are held to the standard of following laws. One does not need to know specific legality of an issue to be required to obey all laws. Laws are created in
response to a specific situation. Once a law is written, compliance is mandatory.

This brings me to the issue of political signs in Cleveland Heights. The statute addressing temporary signs states in part “. . . All yard signs must be placed parallel to the street adjoining the yard upon which they are placed and must be set back at least 20 feet from the nearest edge of the sidewalk . . .”

To the Editor:

I’ve been a Cleveland Heights resident for over 35 years, and this year is the first time that I’ve noticed such general interest in a city council race. I would like to thank all of the candidates who are offering to serve our city. I’ve attended several events where candidates offered their views on how to advance Cleveland Heights. We are indeed fortunate to have so many candidates devoted to our city. 

I conclude that candidate Julie Love more than deserves our serious consideration. She analyzed CH financial statements and recommended a different choice for voters. Using her training as a certified public accountant, she offers us a viewpoint that is unique. Unlike all of the other candidates (or existing council members), she opposes an income tax increase at this time. She has taken a courageous stand, since it will be CH voters who will make the final decision in November, not city council. I agree with her that a tax increase will not be effective at “protecting” the city, as some people have argued.

The voters of Cleveland Heights tend to be an educated bunch. We like to move beyond political slogans and yard signs, dig deeper, and find out what a candidate really stands for. Over the past week, the blog of city council hopeful Julie Love was circulated widely over social media. Residents were initially taken aback by both its provocative name, "Redneck Rants: A country girl with two children shares her views on life in the inner-city," and its equally provocative domain address: redneckmominthehood.blogspot.com.

Voters, hoping to move past Ms. Love’s broadly appealing message of lower taxes, decided to see for themselves who this woman really is and what she stands for. As more and more residents visited her site and then expressed their shock and concern on Facebook and Twitter, Ms. Love began slowly removing her most controversial posts, hiding her words from the public instead of owning up to them.

To the Editor:

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Greater Cleveland has voted to endorse the quarter percent income tax increase that Cleveland Heights voters will consider on Election Day.

If you are a budget follower, you have probably noted that Cleveland Heights has kept its operating budget basically the same since 1998. It has become increasingly difficult to do this.

The state used to distribute a substantial portion of its tax revenues back to the municipalities in the form of local government funds. In recent years, however, the state has been keeping a larger and larger share of those funds in state coffers, forcing cities and towns to cut services or find other ways to pay for them.

To the Editor:

To those residents who are “shocked and inflamed” by CH Council Member Kahlil Seren’s comment at The Wine Spot’s candidate forum, you are entitled to your opinion, but don’t distort what he actually said.

When asked how he would attract non-residents who choose not to live in Cleveland Heights because of our current tax levels, he replied that he isn’t sure that it is worth it to him to attract people who don’t think our city’s assets and quality services are worth contributing to. Blindly offering tax incentives to business doesn’t help a city remain strong; offering whatever it would take to attract people who choose their home based on tax levels is also unsustainable for our city.

To the Editor:

As most Cleveland Heights residents know, there are Whistlestop meetings being held at The Wine Spot on Lee Road to discuss the issues that affect Cleveland Heights residents. I have watched the video from Whistlestop #3 a few times and, more specifically, the remarks made by Cleveland Heights Council Member Kahlil Seren.

It is incomprehensible to me that a person who was appointed to council to fill a vacant seat and who is now running for council on his own merits would make the statement that if anyone [does] not like the proposed income tax increase he does not feel that he wants them or needs them living here.

To the Editor:

I am concerned about comments made by a candidate for Cleveland Heights City Council. At at a recent candidates night presentation known as the Whistlestop, Kahlil Seren stated that he is not entirely sure that he wants people opposed to high taxes to move into this community and that "we don't need them." I find Mr. Seren's comments shocking and inflammatory! As a 41-year taxpaying homeowner in Cleveland Heights, I feel that I have paid more than my fair share of taxes and greatly resent Mr. Seren's statement!

Kahlil Seren was appointed to his current position on city council by our council members and now is seeking an elected full term, making important decisions about our city.

To the Editor:

In May, we submitted a transportation appeal for our daughter. I cannot be more unimpressed, dissatisfied and frustrated over the process and the outcome. We received a letter within a week to tell us that we would hear the result in 30 days. By the first week of August, we had heard nothing. I contacted the CH-UH City School District Transportation Department and was told the committee would be having the meeting in two days and I would be notified. If I hadn’t contacted them, would my appeal ever have been heard? In fact, was my appeal actually considered or was the “denied” form letter simply sent?

I found Sarah West’s piece, “The Inequity of Social Spaces in the CH-UH School Community,” (published in the June 2015 Heights Observer), disturbing—not for its descent into academic nomenclature or its application of cookie-cutter sociological concepts onto one section of our community—but for the lack of research about pre-existing conditions, local conditions and other contributing factors.

To the Editor,

For the sake of accuracy, Motorcars is the largest private-sector employer in Cleveland Heights. The City of Cleveland Heights is the largest employer in the city, with more than 300 full-time employees. If you include seasonal and part-time, the city employees more than 400 people.

To the Editor:

I was quite pleased to see the article regarding the Little Free Library in the June 2015 issue, but was dismayed that mention was not made of the late Bob Cheshier, who was responsible for bringing the Little Free Libraries to the Cleveland area. Bob was an ardent advocate for the advancement of libraries and associated reading skills. I know Bob would have been very pleased to see yet another Little Free Library.

To the Editor:

The Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Playground and Gardens work day on May 16 was a partial success in some ways and a great success in all other ways.

The great success shown that day was the dedication of community volunteers who came to help repair the playground equipment and spruce up the beautiful gardens.

To the Editor:

The efforts and generosity of Zagara's patrons and employees are to be applauded as the results of the Harvest for Hunger at Zagara's Marketplace, during the month of March, are revealed:

To the Editor,

As a proud citizen of Cleveland Heights, I love the culture of social and environmental consciousness which the city holds dear; however, I believe we can do better. We have made strides in recycling, support of local business, locally grown foods, and so on, but one aspect where we've neglected to pay much attention is renewable energy. Cleveland has been making progress in this important area and has gotten good publicity for it, but now I think it's time we join in to be a more eco-friendly, sustainable community.

To the Editor:

Cleveland Heights lost a longtime resident at the beginning of February—William C. Lahman. He had been city manager from 1964 to 1975. I first heard of Bill when our family moved here in 1965; I didn't meet him then, but felt that he was an excellent city manager. He left to become secretary-treasurer of RTA and, in 1981, became its general manager. When he retired in 1985, I still had not met him but, because I was a regular RTA rider, I was aware of some of his accomplishments.

To the Editor,

I am writing to support the levy for the CH-UH schools. 

Our district:

• Has waited four years between operating levies instead of the usual three. 
• Has cut $3 million in spending, in addition to the $2 million cut by the state.
• Agreed to give only minimal cost of living increases to all staff and administrators.
• Is asking for the smallest increase for an operational levy in decades.
• Plans to cut an additional $500,000 from its budget no matter what.

To the Editor:

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland (LWV) has voted to endorse Issue 2, the 5.9 mill operating levy for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. The district has consistently been recognized for its careful stewardship of taxpayer money.

The LWV’s positions support the role of the local community in levying local taxes to assume a reasonable share of the financial burden to support local public schools.

To the Editor:

On behalf of the many loyal patrons of Coventry Village Library we extend heartfelt thanks to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library Board of Directors and administration for their Feb. 16 decision to restore Friday hours to the library's schedule.

Combined with the recent restoration of Sunday hours to all branches, the Coventry Village Library will now be able to serve the community on a daily basis. This is good news for residents and also good news for the Coventry retail district, as the library plays an important role in attracting people to our neighborhood businesses.

[This letter, sent to the CH police chief, was also sent to the Observer and other media for publication.]

To the Editor:

I was glad to read the article in the Heights Observer (December issue] about Appletree Books, with its new owners and renovation. The article contained an error though—Jane Kessler did not found the business.

Bill Rubin founded Appletree Books in 1985 (I believe that was the year). Frequently his mother helped in the store, and I knew her through PTA. I used to take the Monticello bus that went down to University Station and walk from Euclid Heights Boulevard over to the store and catch the next bus back. He started such a wonderful business!

To the Editor:

A special thanks to the energetic volunteers who joined together to weed the gardens and repair the equipment at Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park before winter sets in. The Saturday work day on Oct. 18 was cold and rainy, but the dedicated group of adults and kids did a wonderful job of completing the work.

To the Editor:

The shops in the Fairmount/Taylor area are a welcome treat. Cleveland Heights is fortunate to have these establishments within our city.

Unfortunately, parking is troublesome at the corner of Queenston Road and Fairmount Boulevard, which is the most impacted area. I witnessed a motor vehicle driver come a hairline from causing severe injury to a child, who was attempting to cross the street to attend his music lesson. Likewise, I saw a bicyclist come close to suffering severe bodily harm.

To the Editor:

Thank you for featuring Anita Kazarian’s column on the University Heights Park Bond Issue [in the September print edition].

We in University Heights need to be informed, in order to vote responsibly. Your newspaper serves the need for all sides of this issue to be exposed.

To the Editor:

Yes, again, I write about the turkey of a project planned for Turkey Ridge along Edgehill Road.

I attended the Cleveland Heights Planning Commission hearing on Aug. 12 regarding the high-end condos planned for this parcel because of my intent to address, yet again, my concerns about the landslide potential of this hillside.

To the Editor,

I am part of a new movement in Cleveland, Puncture the Silence-Stop Mass Incarceration. Inspired by Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow, and the “Stop Stop and Frisk” movement in NYC, eight women sitting in a living room in Cleveland Heights last April unanimously endorsed the Stop Mass Incarceration Network’s (SMIN) call for a month of mass resistance to mass incarceration, police terror and the criminalization of generations this October. We set about helping to build a new social movement against all of the injustices in the criminal “justice” system, and received a very good response.

We had been appalled by the murders of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, and the acquittal of George Zimmerman.

To the Editor:

The merchants of the Cedar Lee District offer their united sympathy upon learning the news that Jim Brennan of Brennan’s Colony Tavern & Restaurant was shot while at his business. 

Jim was a great friend to many in the neighborhood. He will be missed for more than just his skills as a local and independent businessman. Jim created a “go to” place for great food and drink and, most especially, a place where you could socialize with Jim and his neighbors on a Friday or Saturday night.

To the Editor:

The City of Cleveland Heights’s decisions regarding the Turkey Ridge project planned along Edgehill Road have evoked a lot of emotions in me: resentment regarding the 15-year, 100 percent tax abatement given the developer, Visconsi Companies; and irritation at the suggestion of a Turkey Ridge Community Reinvestment Area (CRA), when there is no blight among the several $400,000 to $1,000,000 buildings.

Now, I feel alarm. It turns out the hillside along Edgehill Road is prone to landslides. Yet our leaders at City Hall are unconcerned.

To the Editor:

At its May 5 meeting, Cleveland Heights City Council voted 5-2 to confirm the variances granted by the CH Board of Zoning Appeals to Kertesz Enterprises, a developer from Orange Village, for a four-unit complex at the vacant lot at Cedar and Coventry roads. Council members Jeff Coryell and Melissa Yasinow voted against the measure.

At its May 14 meeting, scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. at CH City Hall, the city's planning commission will consider a conditional use permit for a planned residential development on the lot.

Neighborhood residents and others have expressed concern over the proposed development since it was announced in March. They point out that the size and mass of the building is out of scale with the property and detracts from the unique and historic character of the area.

To the Editor:

Kathleen Tark's informed comments [Proposed Cedar Coventry development threatens historic neighborhood character] on the development of the Cedar-Coventry intersection's southwest property give everyone a desirable goal in the area's development. At the same time, Tark gives us no tangible and imminent means to [reach] that goal. Additionally, [her letter] ignores the existing situation with respect to the immediate area along Cedar Road where properties are being used as transient, multifamily, rentals.

The proposed development is designed to accommodate multiple families on a compact property where there is, obviously, a need that the adjacent properties are filling.

To the Editor:

I recently sent the following letter to the CH Public Works Department, and I am sending a copy to the Observer as well, in the hopes that this issue doesn’t get lost.

Dear Cleveland Heights Refuse and Recycling Department,

I really appreciate the service and hard work that you folks do on a daily basis. However, I want to bring it to the city's attention that the method of refuse collection is perhaps not the most appropriate for taxpayers' needs. I've seen the trucks collect with the mechanical arm, and it's cool-looking. But because it prevents the use of covered garbage cans—which exposes thin or improperly tied bags to weather, animals and other messy factors—my otherwise gorgeous street is constantly covered in trash.

To the Editor:

Because I haven’t paid attention to any discussion about development schemes for Cleveland Heights’s Turkey Ridge, I was unaware that on March 3 CH City Council decided 6-1 to establish a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) along Turkey Ridge. I read in the April issue of the Heights Observer City Council Member Jeff Coryell’s explanation for his lone dissenting voice.

To the Editor,
 
This letter is in response to the article in the April edition of the Heights Observer regarding the Turkey Ridge CRA.
 
Cleveland Heights City Council, in concert with the City Planning Department, is offering tax abatement as a mechanism to spur development in the city, but I believe the process has serious flaws. First of all, I must state that I fully support the concept as a method to encourage development of housing stock within the community.

To the Editor:

Believe it or not, we had beautiful weather for the Saturday, April 12, work day at the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park. The reward is a playground with equipment that has been repaired, and gardens weeded and mulched. A special thanks to Zoss the Swiss Baker and Phoenix Coffee on Coventry, which provided breakfast to get the volunteers started, and to Tommy’s restaurant, which provided a delicious lunch so they would have energy to finish the work. These generous individuals have contributed to the park cleanup for many years.

The hard-working volunteers were from CHHS's Project Build, Lake Erie Ink, Coventry Village SID, Cub Scout Pack #11 from Church of the Saviour, Heights High students and parents, and alumni of Coventry Elementary School.

To the Editor:

The Cedar Coventry neighborhood sits at the intersection of three of the great Cleveland Heights historic districts—Calhoun’s Euclid Heights, Grant Deming’s Forest Hill, and the Euclid Golf District—and is punctuated by the tower of the historic landmark, St. Ann Church. Property on southwest corner, at one of the most visible and memorable intersections in the city, is in danger of being rezoned to accommodate a four-plex. 

Variances requested are not minor. If granted by the CH Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) at its meeting on Wednesday, April 23, at the CH Community Center, variances will allow building, drives and walkways to cover more than 57 percent of the site and accommodate 11 parking spaces.

To the Editor:

The Cleveland Heights Planning Department is considering a proposal from Kertesz Enterprises, a developer from Orange Village, to build a four-plex on the vacant lot at the corner of Cedar and Coventry roads. Neighbors have voiced a number of concerns about the impact that three significant zoning variances, which are required for the developer to move forward, will have on the neighborhood.

This is a statement from CH-UH Board President Ron Register, responding to an open letter from Alan Rapoport, attorney for Mosdos Ohr Hatorah, regarding negotiations for the Millikin School property:

We are mystified by this letter. We’ve worked very hard for several years to reach an agreement with Mosdos that protects our community’s interests. We have been flexible, creative, compromising and patient, but in every instance we have eventually been rebuffed.

The proposal that the Board most recently received from Mr. Rapoport, on behalf of Mosdos, was to purchase both parcels of the Millikin property through an installment sale arrangement under which Mosdos would pay the Board $150,000 up front and $150,000 annual installments over the following three years. 

To the Editor:

At the Cleveland Heights City Council meeting on March 3, I voted "No" on Ordinance No. 8-2014, establishing a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) in the Turkey Ridge area. Due to the late hour, I gave only a shortened version of the remarks I had prepared about the ordinance and my opposition. The following is the complete version:

When I ran for City Council, I pledged to the voters that I would act upon my belief that, in fairness to our residents and in recognition of the high value that we in Cleveland Heights place upon supporting our public schools, property tax abatements would be used sparingly and only when clearly justified by compelling need.

To the Editor,  

At last, now that my health issues have become familiar, and no longer troublesome, I can try to extend all my daily thank-yous to countless people, both in and out of the Cleveland Heights community.   

The rallying support and the on-going chatter that erupted, did reach my hospital room within days. I was flabbergasted, lifted, and so deeply moved by all the attention then, as I still am now. 

To the Editor:

I am writing a reply to Joshua Schaffer's letter about Cleveland Heights police not following traffic laws (Heights Observer, January 2013). [He stated] that the CH police park illegally, run lights and use their sirens when there is no emergency. . . . I have lived in Cleveland Heights for more than six years and have had two or three interactions with the police. They have always been professional and treated me with respect. So what if they park in a no-parking zone or use the siren. They are the police! It comes with the job. . . . Our police force is doing a fine job.

To the Editor:

Mosdos Ohr Hatorah has learned that the CH-UH Board of Education proposes to convert its long-abandoned Millikin property into something other than a school. Mosdos is disappointed that negotiations with the board have so far been unsuccessful. It remains willing to negotiate further if and when the board changes its mind and agrees to sell the entire Millikin property without excluding the old stables. Otherwise, Mosdos could not develop a reasonable land use plan with adequate recreational area for children.

The closing of Walmart at Severance and opening of Walmart at Oakwood brings back memories. Back in the day (the 1980s, I believe), the developer Bart Wolstein wanted to buy Oakwood and put Cleveland's first Walmart there.

The neighborhood—the whole city—was, expectedly, up in arms and formed a Stop Walmart group headed by a Heights High teacher, Allan Wolf.

I have traveled all over the county, and the state, and I have never seen law enforcement with such disregard of the law than the Cleveland Heights police. Let me begin by saying that I have the highest respect for people who put their lives in danger to protect others. Over many years, I have seen police in Cleveland Heights park illegally, run red lights, even write tickets to legally parked vehicles. I have posted pictures and videos of all my accusations at saferheights.wordpress.com.

To the Editor:

There is something wrong in Cleveland Heights and it needs to change.  I have some ideas.

When I began my group, Citizens Leadership, five months ago, the biggest complaint was the unresponsiveness of city hall and reduction in services. I thought attending council meetings would enlighten me on city hall machinations. I also wanted to learn about the decision-making process on issues that affect my existence as a resident of Cleveland Heights. My hopes were to share what I learned with my fellow residents and to offer some suggestions should I or my cohorts have any. The idyll was an informed citizenry working arm-and-arm with city hall. Silly girl!

Heights Arts and the City of Cleveland Heights have new additions to our families. This summer, Heights Arts participated in the Play Me, I’m Yours street piano project, thanks to the generous donation of an upright piano by Cleveland Heights residents Faith and Brendan Gill. The piano was placed in the mini park beside our gallery on Lee Road for passers-by to play. As the seasons changed, we knew that the piano would need a new home before the weather took its toll, and as its original purpose was to spark imagination and creativity outdoors, it was not a viable option for our indoor performance needs.

To the Editor:

Cleveland Heights voters decisively passed a local ordinance on Nov. 5, instructing the city to inform federal and state elected officials that Cleveland Heights voters want a U.S. constitutional amendment ending constitutional rights for corporations and overturning the legal doctrine of money being considered equivalent to speech.

The measure, Issue 32, passed with more than 77 percent of the vote. More than 3,000 citizens signed petitions circulated by Cleveland Heights Move to Amend volunteers to place the grassroots initiative on the ballot.

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education members Ron Register, current board president, who has served on the board since January 2002; and Kal Zucker, who has served on the board since January 2006; on their re-election to serve on the board.

Eric Silverman was elected to serve a new four-year term starting January 2014. He previously served as a board member from January 1994 to December 2011.

To the Editor:

It is nice of you all to put a positive spin on the news feed about the new Walmart, but to me it is simply chilling. I think it is almost obscene for Walmart to put out this claim about how energy efficient [its] new store is when actually in reality it is just another drain on what has become our throw-away attitude about our society and our earth.

To the Editor:

It is time to change Cleveland Heights's overnight parking ban.

I moved to Cleveland Heights in 2012 and was surprised to find this ban in place, which limits the ability of out-of-town family and friends to conveniently visit.

My fiancée also lives in Cleveland Heights, and every time I visit her for a night I need to call the police for parking permission. These phone calls are inefficient. The officer in charge handwrites the note and cars are frequently ticketed even after calling for clearance.

To the Editor:

It has been a long run, and a good run. On October 24, 2013, Patrolman Dennis W. Rohal retired from the University Heights Police Department with 28 years of dedicated, professional service.

This closed the book on nearly 44 years of continuous service by the Rohal brothers, starting in 1970. James B. Rohal, former deputy chief, retired in 2011 after 41 years with the department.  

It was an honor and privilege to serve the fine citizens of this city. University Heights was like our second home.

To the Editor: 

I’ve been meaning to submit a contribution to your newspaper ever since you called for volunteers to tell readers about unique Heights people.

In the 1980s, I owned a home near Noble and Mayfield, and enjoyed the neighbors and activities. When my company left town and I could no longer pay mortgage and taxes, I had to sell. I moved to Hessler Road where I met and worked with—on the Hessler Street Fair—many interesting and unique Heights characters. I think a bit of historical lore about Heights residents would enhance [its] reputation as a creative cauldron for those, past and present, who [have contributed to] Greater Cleveland.

To the Editor:

I am a young Cleveland Heights homeowner. My wife and I bought our home near Cedar Lee almost five years ago. We love our home, our neighbors and our neighborhood. We spend almost all of our disposable income at the businesses on Lee Road. When we have children, we are unquestionably sending them to public schools. We don’t know yet if we love our schools and the academic community around them. In other words, we are exactly who the city and school district should be working to attract and keep in the district. We want to stay here.  In the hopes of beginning to develop a relationship with the schools, I toured Heights High on Sept. 10. There is no question that it is in disrepair and needs investment.

To the Editor:

I believe strongly in good education and have been frustrated by the inadequacies in our district, as well as annoyed by the board’s constant harping in veiled words about the percentage of poor black students that makes our system so “special.”

What bothers me most about Issue 81 is that it is not about education. But I am not inclined to present my opinion based on my feelings. I prefer a proper analysis, which is what I have done after reviewing reams of records.

The telling documents that, to me, contain the “smoking gun” with regard to this issue and the plan it is supposed to fund are those referenced by the supporters of Issue 81 and the board: the state’s report.

To the Editor:

I grew up in Cleveland Heights, I live here and now I own a business here. Like many young people, I left the region at the first chance. My job took me around the country and our personal travels took us around the world. I spent extended time in many communities, and although I enjoyed visiting most of them, very few had the personality of Cleveland Heights.

When my career offered us the opportunity to live wherever we wanted, we jumped at the chance to move back to 44118.

To the Editor:

The Reaching Heights Board of Directors enthusiastically endorses Issue 81. The plan was developed by CH and UH citizens after a year long effort and thoughtful analysis of district physical infrastructure needs. Issue 81 reflects the values of the Heights community—preserving the past, while preparing for future generations. 

Reaching Heights’s focus is excellence in public education. District buildings, especially the high school, have reached a point where they hinder rather than promote quality education. The costs to maintain these aging structures have become an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars.

To the Editor:

While there are numerous reasons to support Issue 81, the bond issue to fund renovations of CH-UH’s middle and high schools, I would like to highlight one very important aspect: handicapped accessibility.

Clearly, our district does a fantastic job of educating its students, sending scores of graduates to first- and second-tier universities every year, and its extracurricular offerings are extensive and impressive. Our schools also meet the needs of every student regardless of physical limitation, abiding by the laws and requirements to provide all children with free, appropriate public education. But the physical structure of our buildings hinders the ability of the schools to meet the physical needs of those students with mobility issues, including those with physical and/or developmental disabilities and students (and staff) with acute, medical issues, such as healing from back or leg surgery, as well as disabled parents and grandparents who wish to participate in or view school programs.

To the Editor,

I am a graduate of Heights High, and parent of three kids in CH-UH schools, currently at all levels—elementary, middle and high school.

I am committed to our CH-UH school district in all its complexities, strengths and weaknesses. It is a remarkable and special place.

I have been involved, since the beginning, with the schools facilities process. Now, after three years of work, we have a plan and a bond issue (81) on the table. There are many reasons I know this is the right thing to do, from [maintaining] appropriate temperatures in classrooms to the importance of spaces that reflect the value we place on education and the potential of our youth.

The most upsetting argument against CH-UH’s Issue 81 is the claim that our schools are failing. This is frustrating because it ignores the obvious physical needs of our buildings, but also because it simply isn’t true. The schools are thriving. Our teachers are teaching and our students are learning.

Here’s the reality: Our district serves poor children. This isn’t an excuse, nor a shift of blame. I happen to be proud that we serve poor children and believe that fact should be celebrated. But, as research shows, children raised in poverty come to school less ready to learn, already behind their peers on the first day of kindergarten. They often have smaller vocabularies, shorter attention spans and few of the preliteracy skills required for learning to read and write. These problems continue throughout their educational careers, which are often disrupted by frequent moves in and out of schools and districts.

To the Editor:

The League of Women Voters supports the $134.8 million bond issue that the CH-UH Board of Education has placed on the November ballot. These funds will support the implementation of the first phase of a comprehensive K–12 plan, carefully developed with extensive citizen involvement.

The plan will overhaul the core operating systems and upgrade the learning environment of our school facilities to better meet educational needs for the next 50 years. The first phase will take Heights High down to its bones, replacing all operating systems with up-to-date and energy-efficient solutions, and will substantially renovate  Monticello and Roxboro middle schools.