Neighborhoods fight uphill battle in city

If Salisbury is truly the “Paris of the Piedmont”, then I am obviously living in the wrong neighborhood.

As we all know, Paris is comprised of many arrondissements, or administrative districts. The complexities of the “City of Lights” far exceed the idyllic Eiffel Tower, Rue Dejean, and Avenue des Champs-Elysees. When we purchased our home in the North Fulton/ Hurley Park area of the city 23 years ago, it held the promise of being more like the 5th Arrondissement, a lovely park district, oozing with charm. Unfortunately, a recent and somewhat rapid decline of the area makes it feel more like the Chateau-Rouge, a less than desirable neighborhood.

Approaching my residence from any direction, passersby are greeted by a multitude of unsightly properties. These properties and residences run rampant with code violations including, but not limited to, commercial encroachment, front yard parking lots, trash receptacles staged as front yard garden art and illegal on- street parking that poses driving hazards.

Our neighborhood is not the only one that seems to be fighting a losing battle. Many residential areas in Salisbury are not protected by home owners associations or historic district guidelines, leaving them at risk of falling into decay. In an attempt to address the problem areas of the city, Paris has adopted Le Grand Paris, a development project “designed to improve residents’ quality of life, address regional inequalities and build a sustainable city.” So being that we have been deemed the “Paris of the Piedmont,” what are members of the Salisbury City Council and Salisbury administrative staff willing to do to prevent further demise of neighborhoods? “Le Grand Salisbury” has a nice ring, does it not?

— Pam Morris

Salisbury

More shout-outs

I want to publicly thank Mark Wineka for his excellent article about my parents’ role in the Chamber of Commerce during the early ‘60s (“Hank and Petie Palmer anchored chamber office in crucial time for Salisbury-Rowan,” Jan. 27). It was fun to reminisce about those years, and I’d like to thank Elaine Spalding, our newest chamber president, for contacting Mark and for putting up with my stories. My sisters and I were very blessed to have such wonderful parents, who lived their lives by the Golden Rule and taught us to do the same, personally and in business.

I am sorry that I neglected to mention a couple of important people. Betty Wingate is one. She was also one of Dad’s secretaries and worked alongside with Mom in both of the old offices. Most of Salisbury knows her son, Bob, who has made a name for himself as a local Christian musician, but I remember when he was born!

And the other is, of course, Sonny Epting, who took the job in 1968 and was an excellent leader for Salisbury. He and Dad worked on many committees together during those days and Sonny kept the good work going. Sonny and his wife, Pat, remained great friends with Mom and Dad throughout all those years.

So thank you for letting me give those great people a shout-out also, and I just want to say, “Congratulations” to the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce on its 90th anniversary. I wish for Elaine, the staff and all the volunteers many more successful years to keep Salisbury truly “The Place”!

— Joan Palmer

Salisbury

We need prayer

Freedom is for everyone and not just for those who cry that they are offended. Recently I saw on Facebook that it is being questioned about the City Council having silent prayer before their meetings. I am confused as to what the problem is.

No, I am not what some people call a religious fanatic, nor do I attend church regularly. However, I believe in God and can not accept the prejudice people have against anyone who believes. We were at one time a nation that stood for freedom.

Now I am becoming ashamed of what we are becoming. Most of the cries today of being offended over American tradition is outsiders that we welcome to our country. The reason they come is for the freedom they have to speak out. The very thing they came for is constantly being called offensive. So why are we as Americans still feeding into this?

Our laws and nation were built on Christianity, regardless of how some people try to rewrite it. The issues we have as a whole today, we need to have a moment of prayer, silence or meditation. No one should dictate what the leaders do before making difficult decision.

Everyone should take time out and stand before the council building before a meeting and show support by silent thoughts to whomever or whatever you believe in. After all, who will be targeted next with violation of their rights? It’s also called respect something we so lack these days.

— Beverly Brewer

Salisbury

Collins was good chief

Don’t judge a man until you have walked in his shoes. How many of the critics of Police Chief Rory Collins have walked in his shoes?

Do the critics of Chief Collins understand what is involved in a chief’s decision making?

The city has struggled with violent crime and unsolved murders before, and for 35 years plus the West End has been a source of many meetings and hard work, trying to find a solution. If the critics had a solution, why didn’t they write it up and submit it, rather then find fault?

I am proud of Rory and his second job. It not only gave him the opportunity to connect with the city, but he was able to interact with the public and especially the young people. I feel it was an extension of his job as chief. What a wonderful way to improve relationships. I wish it could be continued.

I observed Rory deal with a situation for many days that would have caused a lesser man to become violent. Best wishes, Rory.

— Beverley Monroe

Salisbury

Great young men

I just read the article on Henderson Lentz from North Rowan High School (“Miracle Man: Lentz returns after near-death experience,” Jan. 1). Such an inspiration! And talk about a testimony! I kind of always figured that Henderson was a special kid but didn’t really know how special he was until I saw the great write-up in the Post.

Without a doubt, God has His hand on this young man, and I count it as an honor to watch him play on the Cavalier court with his talented teammates. I completely agree with Coach Andrew Mitchell that Henderson is a real blessing to his team, and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this young man in the weeks, months and years to come.

Also, the article about Javon Hargrave was excellent (“Hargrave’s hard-working holidays,” Jan. 6). I witnessed this young man on numerous occasions cause havoc on the football field for North, as well as make his presence known on the basketball court. It has been exciting, to say the least, to have seen him do so well over the past several years, and to now actually witness his hard work about to pay off on a national platform is even more exciting.

Way to go, Henderson and Javon. You’re an inspiration to many, and I expect only the best for you both in your future endeavors. God bless. Go, Cavs!

— Craig Thomas

Salisbury

What’s more important?

Snow is beautiful, but snow and ice are very dangerous to drive in. I would like to applaud the business places that had the common sense not to open their doors during the snow. Employees’ lives are more important than anything you can buy at the store.

And for those people who would be on the road delivering things,  their lives are more important than anything we might receive. There is always tomorrow, so be thankful we are there to greet it.

— Dot Trexler

Salisbury

Keep carriers safe

This is in response to all the fuss over our mail carrier and our Salisbury Post being delivered in bad weather. I am thankful for both of mine. They go the extra mile, and what is so important to you for mail and paper that it can’t wait? Their lives are more important.

Walk a mile in their shoes and see how it works for you. My mail didn’t run; so what? It’s good when you get it.

My paper did run. The carrier parked in the street, walked to my door and put my paper on the steps. Thank you for a job well done.

I appreciate both my delivery people. Thanks again.

— Ruth Kesler

Salisbury