Isn't Signal vote now unnecessary?
The Town of Signal Mountain will conduct a citizens input meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 12 before the Town Council meeting. At the Town Council meeting, a vote will be held on the idea of buildings being allowed on 1/4-acre lots. Presently everyone must build on at least 1/2-acre lots.
It is my opinion no one should be allowed to build on 1/4-acre lots. Only a restricted few lots (6) fit the criteria for such building; the vast majority do not. Both the few and the many meet every law/ordinance demanded of them by the town, but only those few would be allowed such privilege. That leaves unequal treatment between Signal Mountain citizens, hence unequal representation.
Further, it is my understanding the original requester for the 1/4-acre permission has withdrawn that request. That begs the question: Why is the council continuing its pursuit of such an exceptional request? Since no one is making a request, would this not invalidate the first council vote on the matter and make any further vote moot? No reason to generate action - no action."
Dun Monroe, Signal Mountain
Affordable housing needs are great
The disaster that befell the former occupants of Superior Creek Lodge has not gone away.
Many of those 1,500 are back on their way to stability, thanks to the heroic efforts of Metropolitan Ministries and other agencies. Met-Min is in the business of helping people prevent homelessness by finding long-term housing. Indeed, throughout the very process of addressing the needs of the Superior Creek residents, Met-Min volunteers and staff have never stopped welcoming the men, women and children who daily show up at the door on McCallie Avenue. The spate of support in the form of energy, time, money and other resources from Met-Min's volunteers, staff, board and stakeholders has been gratifying.
The reality, though, is that we cannot rely on these emergency, last-ditch efforts. The Superior Creek Lodge story may soon disappear from the news. The reality our city leaders and citizens must face is the urgent demand for more acceptable and affordable housing. We must establish - and enforce - codes to ensure that those buildings remain compliant and safe. We cannot stand by and allow them to deteriorate until more mass evictions are necessary.
Emily Thayer Campbell
Jesus suggested carrying a sword
In response to recent letters from Katherine Prior and the Rev. Charles Neal, I agree with Katherine Prior and disagree with Rev. Neal concerning protecting yourself and your family from bad people. If you read Luke 22:35-38, Jesus told his disciples to get a sword when they carried a moneybag while traveling because the roads were dangerous from robbers and muggers, and if they did not have a sword they were to sell their cloak and buy one. The verses Rev. Neal cited concerned Jesus's apprehension prior to his crucifixion, which gave us our salvation. Jesus rebuked Peter because Peter was interfering with God's plan for Jesus to die on the cross for our salvation. Jesus did not need Peter's help, and he rebuked him for trying to interfere in God's plan.
Don Clemens