Letters the Editor 08/15/2012

To the Editor:

Re: Cascade Avenue project: I do not think that the City of Sisters should have taken on this project in this bad economy. This was the wrong time.

It has been a real struggle for all of us the past few years.

We are also going into an election year. It slows down during an election year. Add in closed streets, bad economy and election year and what do we get? Not a pretty picture for Sisters.

We all need to stay in business and feed our families.

Look at how many empty buildings we have in town right now. There may be more to come.

I attended the meeting last Tuesday morning. Looks like we can't change what has been implemented. But maybe we can look at ways to make it better for the businesses and the folks who live here.

Kate Aspen

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To the Editor:

The previously published Cascade Avenue renovation plans were just beautiful, and I think this renovation will greatly enhance the town. Sisters businesses will see a big payoff... if they can weather the disruption while Cascade Avenue is closed.

I hate to see such a great investment in our community be tabled or postponed because the work will take too long. Is there a way this can be done in two or three months, instead of five?

If it takes more money to get the work done more quickly, let the City find a way. This is an investment in our community, our businesses, and the town as a whole.

Kelly Swensen

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To the Editor:

The recent flap over the ponderosa pines being cut down on a lot in Sisters so a home could be moved onto the site brings to mind several thoughts.

Almost every single home in Sisters or surrounding areas is on a lot that had to be cleared at one time to accommodate building. There wouldn't be a home in Sisters if trees weren't cut. It is very hypocritical for people to criticize others who are simply doing what has been done on their own lots!

It makes perfect sense for trees to be removed on the house site or access to it. People tend to forget that their own dwelling was once the habitat of ponderosas. Was it okay that those trees were removed - but not okay for others to have the same option? As far as aesthetics - of course, it looks nice with the trees there, but you can't stop progress, otherwise YOUR house wouldn't be where it is, either.

My hat is off to the person who is "recycling" the home that is being moved in there. That person is a true environmentalist, along with many people who continue to live in homes that are decades old, people who buy homes that have already been built (yes, used!), and don't force the cutting of trees for lumber to build big new homes. It brings a smile to my face to hear people claim to be cognizant of protecting our environment, or "going green," when I see their new lumber-guzzling monuments built on denuded lots. They put in a water-saving shower head, then profess to caring more for the environment than we do!

What's wrong with this picture?

As for siding being missing on the house that was moved in: I doubt there's a house mover or homeowner with even a smidgen of sense who would do repairs while the house is in transition. The time to do that is after the foundation is finished and the house is firmly in place.

Toni Harding

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To the Editor: 

"Planted" at the corner of Larch Street and Main Avenue on a daily basis, the amount of screeching brakes and near-misses is nerve-wracking and scary. Yesterday, it was an actual accident with significant vehicular damage but, thankfully, no injuries. 

Please let's not wait for an actual fatality to heed this dangerous situation. 

It IS extremely dangerous.

Ruth Raizin