Millage increase is a must Supposedly," things"are "ridiculous"in Greenland. However, what some fail to see is the difference between city government and school government. The moratorium to halt development was voted on by the city council, and while it affects the school district, it is responsible.
A new truck stop would be beneficial for Greenland and the flow of trucks. It would create competitive gas prices for the overpriced Tobo's. It would also create needed tax dollars. However, a 510-unit subdivision would have created a nightmare for Greenland. The septic system is faulty. New high pressure water lines would need to be installed to ensure success and safety of the subdivision. With all the rain this spring, the units would have been swimming in their own filth, if they were even occupied.
Operations have moved out of Greenland that has hurt the city. With the relocation of the regional airport and the opening of I-540, traffic and visitors have disappeared. This makes it unfeasible to over-develop because we don't have the flow of traffic through the city.
But, new things are coming to Greenland. The Mexican food restaurant that burned down is being rebuilt. A yoga studio is opening. A new storage facility was opened by one of my former classmates. Two fast-food restaurants are off of I-540. Also, businesses that have been open for years are still open. And while a grocery store would be great, a Wal-Green's would be more practical.
Now, to the school district. The state has rolled back the millage by 2. 6 in the past seven years, which is all the district wants back. This would put them at 39. 5 mills, which is 3 mills below what Fayetteville school districts pay. Greenland has already reduced costs by $ 500, 000, and will pay debts and provide quality education for students with the millage. Also, included is a measure that will lower our interest rate on loans so we can pay less. As a graduate of Greenland, I support the millage and the loan restructuring. Our school has been open for 70 + years and we want to see it stay.
Greenland is a small family community compared to other districts. It gives students opportunities to do activities without scrutiny or peer pressure. We have great teachers, and the students go on to further their education, some while playing sports. The Northwest Arkansas Community College and the University of Arkansas, my alma mater, are close to our school, and are good resources.
Vote yes for the millage. It's about the students. If the millage doesn't pass, the district will consider consolidation with Fayetteville or West Fork. This would result in even higher millage than we have or will have if the millage passes. If we consolidate, Greenland would fall into more under development. If we don't consolidate, the district will struggle even more to provide quality education without the millage increase. Think about it Greenland residents and residents of the district. Vote on June 10, and keep Greenland open !! Whitney Lee Greenland John Lewis would have approved Being a longtime Fayetteville resident, I remember a few years back when Fayetteville High School students didn't want to have their homecoming parade on the Square because they were embarrassed about the way it looked. My friend, the late John Lewis, and others worked tirelessly to change that. John decided that one way to change the perception of a declining Square was to build a beautiful bank building, which is located on the east side of the Square. I am now one of the owners of that building, which was previously the Bank of America building, and am also a partner of the Campbell Bell building, situated on the opposite side of the Square.
I am happy that the mayor and the city have taken on the tedious task of pulling out the old, unlevel, cracked sidewalks around the Square. Besides being unsightly and a nuisance when walking, the unlevel sidewalks sloped so that when a steady rain occurred, water flowed into the basements of buildings on the Square. Righting these problems with level sidewalks was long overdue. Yes, a few old trees had to go to make room for some new ones. Yes, business was disrupted and traffic had to be rerouted. However, most will agree that the improvements and longterm benefits are worth those shortterm inconveniences. All groups having a stake in the Square - the city, its citizens, building owners, Farmers' Market vendors and patrons - will benefit. I am very proud of our Square. The new native stone planters, gorgeous landscaping and covered benches with natural canopies will be enjoyed by all who visit it. I'm certain that John Lewis would have given kudos to Mayor Coody for his persistence, forward thinking and stewardship in preserving our Square for the next century. Rob Merry-Ship Fayetteville Columnist made a dangerous mistake I was deeply sorry to see Mr. Terry's aimless screed directed against Islam in the Northwest Arkansas Times, Saturday, May 3. Equating Islam and terrorism is an amateurish, increasingly popular and dangerous mistake. It is also a mistake that Mr. Terry should consider correcting. If and when his considerations reach this point, I (and many others more qualified than I ) might recommend a few books to help him out. Sidney Burris Fayetteville
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online