Letters Shorten letters Jack Malinowski Ed. note: Your suggestion
is one that others have made verbally, however the Local’s
philosophy is to allow writers to express themselves in full.
The Local is owned by the Chestnut Hill Community Association,
which has over 2000 members; its editorial pages are is called
Forum on the Hill to give readers an opportunity to share ideas. The Preservation Alliance has nominated the Nugent Baptist Home for historic designation because we think it is a very significant building. We have also supported the nomination of the Presser Home for Retired Musicians (the historic name of the former Mt. Airy Commons building) because we think that it, too, is an important building. In considering buildings for historic designation, the City’s ordinance lists a number of factors not simply architectural merit; other factors include connections with prominent individuals, connections to important aspects of the city’s social history and status as a neighborhood landmark. Both the Nugent and Presser properties meet many of these criteria. Both buildings are representative of a movement at the beginning of this century to create special interest retirement facilities. Nugent was built for retired Baptist ministers; Presser for retired musicians; and a third similar facility for retired actors was built in West Philadelphia. Both Nugent and Presser were men who had made their fortunes in the Philadelphia area and wanted to make a contribution back to the communities they served. Presser was an international figure in the music publication business and has importance in his own right. As to the architectural merits, the Nugent Home in particular is an extraordinary building. In contrast to the statement by the church’s architect that “more refined examples of the styles exist elsewhere,” I am not aware of another building in this style in Philadelphia. In any event, it is certainly a relatively rare, as well as outstanding, example of this style of architectural design. The Preservation Alliance believes very strongly that both buildings meet the City’s criteria for historic designation and we hope that the Historical Commission will agree. However, we also agree that merely preventing demolition is not sufficient. The Alliance is committed to assisting the current owner of the property to find an alternative developer willing to preserve and restore both properties should the opportunity for that arise. We also hope that the city will help the church find a suitable location for its growing ministry. Philadelphia needs vibrant religious institutions like Impacting Your World. As a city we should be able to accommodate both preservation of important properties along with providing opportunities for institutions like the Impacting Your World to grow and prosper. John Andrew Gallery Who is being realistic? As far as we can tell, there has been no study to determine whether building houses on this site would produce economic benefits to the city. Traditionally, development of open space has been opposed because of its negative effects on quality of life, while touted as an economic boon. However, a number of recent studies, most notably one by the Brookings Institution published in December 2003, have reached different conclusions. The Brookings report demonstrated that development of open space requires expenditures for infrastructure, roads, storm water runoff, etc., and is often more costly than utilizing it for other purposes, like recreation or tourism. Philadelphia has a 10-year property tax abatement for new construction, and Mr. Rosenthal admits that new housing will likely shift residents from other areas of Philadelphia to Upper Roxborough. Since we can expect no increase in wage taxes, how can such a project be anything but a net drain on the city treasury? As your paper notes, Roxborough Green Space Project has proposed ideas such as a Residential Special Services District that could produce income and preserve open space. In fact, it would produce economic benefits by preserving, open space and by preserving a green, leafy neighborhood that actually enjoys sharing space with bird and animal habitats. Your article suggests that
the only additional income produced by this development are increased
property taxes paid by those who own homes in the immediate vicinity,
thus bestowing the ultimate indignity: those most negatively affected
will pay to subsidize the developer’s profit. Richard Giordano
I am a clinical psychologist, with a practice in Wyndmoor and I receive many referrals from pediatricians to work with parents who are concerned about their children's behavior. The article does a great job of summarizing how the book teaches parents four specific techniques to improve their children's behavior. There was, however, one important error that I would like to correct. The article indicates that I suggest parents wait until a child has calmed down from a temper tantrum before putting the child in Cool Down (one of the four techniques discussed in the book). I was actually using this as an example of how "time out" (a technique closely related to my Cool Down technique) is mistaught in other parenting books and therefore misused by many parents. Putting a child in Cool Down after the child calms down is essentially punishing the child forcalming down — not what you want to do. Placing a child in Cool Down during the tantrum uses a negative consequence to reduce the negative behavior — just what you want to do. My book gives very explicit
directions and explanations of how to handle temper tantrums and
other meltdowns with the Cool Down technique. I appreciate the
opportunity to make this clarification because I would not want
a parent to take away the wrong message and even worse give their
child the wrong message. Thank you.
What your other respondents seem strangely oblivious to is the cold, hard fact that we are at war with a foreign culture and mindset that seeks to exterminate us because of the relative prosperity and personal liberties which we all enjoy. Are any of your other readers as puzzled as I am, as to how so many of our Kerry-leaning friends have seemed to have forgotten the unprovoked attack against us on 9/11? Let me be clear: as a Libertarian, I vehemently disagree with many of Bush’s personally intrusive social policies and a number of his environmental decisions. Yet such considerations are, in my opinion, secondary in the face of a fanatical enemy who will likely kill untold thousands of U.S. citizens if we don’t continue to pursue an aggressive, offensive military campaign to eliminate the threat. There can no compromises here in dealing with the terrorists. No amount of negotiation or half measures will enable us to escape their determination to harm and destroy us. Unfortunately, John Kerry’s recent campaign implosion over the Swift Boat vets is a clear indication, in my mind, of his inability to respond to crisis. Regardless of how he won his medals during Vietnam, the fact that his response to the Swift Boat vets has been so ineffectual is a clear indication of what an incompetent and dangerous military leader he would be if we were again attacked (as we likely will be). Perhaps in other, more peaceful times we might enjoy the luxury of switching presidents and giving the Democrats another try at the Oval Office. But that time is not now. Regardless of what differences you might have with George W. Bush personally or because of some of his more questionable social policies, the fact remains that our military professionals are, for the most part, inspired by Bush’s purposeful leadership to defend our country. And, for us to continue to enjoy the privilege of political debate on other important issues, we most remember that our freedom and personal liberties depend, first and foremost, on our continued security and personal safety. I am not, and I suspect
neither is Sharon Reiss, a political “dirty trickster.”
We may have our differences, but we both agree there is only way
to support our young men and women in the military who are risking
so much to protect us. Vote Bush in 2004.
These Fairmount Park workers have been doing a fabulous job. The trucks and heavy equipment have been working every day, including Sundays, to make the Wissahickon safe and sound for hikers, bikers, horses and baby strollers. The city, indeed has its share of cleaning up messes but we should be grateful it realizes our Wissahickon treasure is tops on its priorities. Emilie Rivinus Brégy Commended The first officer arrived within minutes. When the officer tried to subdue the man, a struggle ensued and both were knocked to the ground. The officer radioed for assistance and within 30 seconds a bicycle patrolman and several squad cars arrived. What had been a potentially dangerous situation was quickly and effectively handled. My four little children were very unnerved by the appearance of a “bad man,” but when the situation was under control, the officers took the time to speak with them. The children went from being upset to delighted by the police cars and rotating lights. I regret that I did not get the names of the first officer on the scene or of the responding officers, but would like to thank them again for their assistance and professionalism. Lyles Perkins Civic minded Unlike many libraries in Philadelphia, the Chestnut Hill Library has a book drop so that people may return their materials when the library is closed. However, recently someone hit our book drop and dented it so badly it could no longer be used. The Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library purchased our book drop as a public convenience shortly after we reopened after renovations. It was a costly expenditure. With the present one damaged, the Friends’ executive board began discussing the possibility of having it repaired orcompletely replacing it. Bruce Flint, a member of the board, asked someone to pick up the box, take it to his shop, repair it and return it to the curbside. No one asked him to do this — he volunteered because he saw a need and acted upon it. He saved the Friends thousands of dollars that can now be used to buy much-needed books, audiotapes, compact discs, etc. Next time you return materials to the book drop or check out new materials, thank Bruce Flint for his civic-mindedness. Margaret Brunton Thank you Jan Miller Thornton
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