Tear It Up|Nothing But the Facts

"Dense Thinking," by Sam Merten, March 6

Tear It Up

I anxiously await the demolition of this eyesore. It's nice to finally know what is planned for this area. However, there are several apartment complexes near The Village area now under demolition. Does anyone know what is planned for these (Village View and the brown icky ones across from Medallion)? Also, the rumor in The Village area is Lincoln Properties is planning an early 2009 demolition of The Corners apartments to rebuild. Like it or not, the area is growing. Let's just hope it's for the better.

This area and certain blocks south of Mockingbird Lane near Greenville need the upgrades and changes. How can [Angela Hunt] stand against this? If we cannot upgrade our neighborhoods and accept a small change, the values of the properties will stay stale and go nowhere. Does she not realize this? When the families living in these areas try to sell their homes, the comps next door or down the street will ruin these values. Yes, it is a historical area. But not all homes are English Tudor homes. And last but not least, if the homes are up against a wall on the widened Central Expressway, lost half of their backyards because of this widening, and are all leased properties, why not allow a small change by replacing them with Tudor townhouses? Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Vickery Place and Turtle Creek have all done this. It has paid off for them. This would bring up the value and appeal. The only thing stopping us from this at present is this sore-thumb rep on the council. Neighbors in the area, building inspectors for the city of Dallas and just plain logical individuals are all ready for an upgrade of these small areas, each less than a 10th of a mile in length. They know what it will do for us. And last but not least, subdividing these lots would bring in more money for the city, more value and equity for the owners, a safer neighborhood and more appeal to the individuals already in or those wanting to move to the area. This is because of the value, stability and consistency we would have with these upgrades.

As a resident of the adjacent Village apartments, I oppose the rezoning. There are more than 9,600 people who live in The Village, and not one building is four stories tall.

I get a chuckle from your article when you say that Ed Oakley was good at expediting zoning changes, but you neglect to mention he was a frickin' developer himself!

The Lovers Amesbury Neighborhood Coalition deserves credit for fighting this from the grassroots, especially when they're up against paid shills supplied by the developer. Kudos also go to Angela Hunt for stopping this behemoth.

"My Obama Drama," by Todd Spivak, February 28

Nothing But the Facts

I really enjoyed reading Todd Spivak's article on Obama. Todd allowed the facts to speak for themselves, which is what all good journalists should do.

Obama and Bush have much in common. They both expect a free ride.

Obama is definitely smart and articulate, but he seems to think that the American people should elect him president on a "Trust me that I can and will do what I say or what is in the best interest of ordinary Americans."

What this article illustrates is that Obama has never had any real competition in any of his previous campaigns. He is just "shocked and amazed" that anyone would ask about his track record or his political accomplishments. When these questions are asked, not only does he not answer them, but he labels the questions as negative attacks.

Obama is not ready to assume the responsibilities of the presidency. In fact, I'm not sure that he is ready to be a U.S. senator given his performance for the past four years.

I have learned more about Senator Obama's political life and him as a politician in your one article than all the TV news coverage combined.

I loved your story style and how you followed the history as a personal travel in time.