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Allowing toilet in yard mars township’s character
Fairview Township Zoning Board recently denied an appeal of its decision to allow a toilet to be placed in a resident’s yard. The neighbor stated this free-standing toilet would be used as a “planter”. What a great idea! If we are lucky, more folks in our township will place toilets in their yards, too. Heck, while we are at it, let’s put an old, used mattress next to the toilet for a summer recliner. After all, just like the toilet, a mattress is not specifically addressed in the Fairview Township Zoning Ordinance.
I am sure other townships will be jealous and wish they had thought of this creative way to entice prospective buyers to their communities. In the literature received from the township concerning the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board, it states “The purpose of the LDR (low density residential district) in the Zoning Ordinance is to provide for low-density residential neighborhoods that are primarily composed of single-family detached dwellings; to protect these areas from incompatible uses; preserve the attractive historic character of the older areas of the Township.”
Is it just me or are used toilets, painted pink or otherwise, placed on lawns compatible with normal uses? Do used toilets, pink or otherwise, placed on lawns preserve the attractive historic character of the older areas of the township? Is it just me or do others realize the absurdity of this ruling?
Downtown revitalization reason to re-elect Leighton
This letter is to offer the people of Wilkes-Barre a reason to re-elect Mayor Thomas Leighton. The first thing people have to remember is when Mayor Leighton was elected the city of Wilkes-Barre was $11 million in debt. We could not get a loan at a low interest rate from any financial institution; we can now.
As for the amount of time, effort and money that was spent in the downtown area, the federal money that is awarded to the city was designated for urban development in downtown revitalization programs.
Federal money comes into the city for street repaving. It is for streets only in the lower income areas. Community Development money is used to do other streets in the city.
We realized that everything the mayor and council accomplished in the downtown area and the neighborhoods, was an accomplishment of which we all should be proud.
Release of trial letters deserves no extra kudos
The people of Luzerne County need not applaud Judge Richard P. Conaboy for releasing letters to the general public; that’s his job. If those writing letters on Judge Toole’s behalf don’t want those letters open to the public, don’t write them. I have written to many judges, and never intended any of them to be kept from publication. I have written thousands of editorials over the years.
I would have applauded if, when former judge MarkCiavarella was found guilty of 12 felonies by a jury, that judge had meted out justice and incarcerated Ciavarella while his appeal process was being heard.
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