Letters to the Editor 04/04/2018

To the Editor:

Your editorial, "Nobody is coming for your guns?" misses the mark and endorses the false premise that the real agenda for common-sense gun reform is to "disarm law-abiding Americans".

Oregon Initiative Petition 43 is an attempt to manage the burgeoning private ownership of weapons of war, firearms specifically designed to kill the maximum number of victims quickly and efficiently. Guns used for hunting and individual self-protection are not addressed in OIP 43. There is no hidden agenda here to remove such firearms from law-abiding citizens. The agenda is clear and only targets high-capacity magazines and assault rifles, weapons of mass destruction, which have no business in the hands of non-military/non-law enforcement personnel.

OIP 43 is NOT coming for all your guns, but it is coming for some of your guns, those killing machines which make mass murders possible. Don't distort the truth and further polarize thinking on this difficult issue. Fear-mongering serves no one.

Janet Keen

Camp Sherman

•••

To The Editor:

I had the opportunity to see the proposed 199-unit Hayden Home Master Plan "McKenzie Meadow Village" at recent public meeting on March 21. Like the majority of residents there, I was greatly disappointed by the congested design that is to be located between the high school and west of the existing Village at Cold Springs. This new plan was in a stark contrast to the earlier sensitive design that was proposed for the much-needed senior living community and senior center.

With smaller lots than the Village Springs development this plan highlighted Hayden's profitable formula in maximizing planning density, but sorely lacked in creating a desirable and comfortable housing community that this area demands. Sadly this plan could be plotted in Anywhere, USA. Just because they can install so many housing units in this configuration doesn't mean it's the best solution for this city of Sisters.

Once they cut and bulldoze the majority of the mature ponderosas (just look at their latest development east of Trinity Way), it will be too late to demand an alternative plan.

There are other options available.

For immediate inspiration look at the charming cabins nestled among the preserved pines in the FivePine Lodge complex so sensitively placed.

Even the mix of units, notably the Creekside Cottages in Pine Meadows with wandering connecting streams and ponds shows deliberation to create something unique that is respectful to our beautiful setting.

At the new Clear Pine Development they have introduced a pocket neighborhood plan within the larger development and a dedicated park.

For further reference on pocket neighborhoods see http://pocket-neighborhoods.net/patterns/clusters.html.

A healthier desirable community of any financial dictate would include more pedestrian options and address the increased number of vehicles, parking requirements and emergency vehicle access.

All I'm saying is that Hayden can do and should do better, go back to the drawing board and design for this very special Sisters community, not just for your profit!

Wendy von Kalinowski