MediaUpdate

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Apr23 2012
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Sun trail editorial missed the point

Gainesville Sun Letter to the Editor
The Sun's April 20 editorial in regard to Haile Plantation residents' objections to the proposed Archer Braid Trial misinterprets our objections. We object not to the trail, but rather that it goes through our private property instead of the much shorter and much less costly route along Tower Road.

The route through our property will cost our residents increased monies for liability insurance and maintenance of the trail, while the shorter route along Tower Road does not infringe on private property and would cost about $1 million less.

Which route makes more sense?

Alan Mencher, Gainesville
Apr22 2012
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Why do we need this bike trail in Haile?

Gainesville Sun Letter to the Editor
I am a Haile Plantation resident very much in favor of bike trails. My questions about the Braid Trail going through our neighborhood are:

1. What is the benefit to bikers using this trail that it go through our neighborhood?

2. How many other private neighborhoods have this trail going through them?

3. What is wrong with this trail following Tower to Archer Road route?

4. Why are we as Haile residents just now being made aware of this project apparently after the decision has been made?

We have many bike trails here already, upkeep for which we pay dearly but gladly in order to ensure our neighborhood standards are met.

I hope county commissioners will be wise enough to allow Haile Plantation residents to offer their opinions on this proposal before continuing with the project!

Sylvia C. Mcleran, Gainesville
Apr21 2012
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Some of us still have an ‘appetite' for CHOICES

Gainesville Sun Letter to the Editor
I an incensed by County Commissioner Susan Baird's remark: “I don't think anybody at all has any appetite for CHOICES in any form.”

I'm an “anybody,” and I invite the commissioner to join me at the three weekly Zumba Gold classes at the active senior recreation center. She will witness the other 60 to 70 “anybodys” exercising with a broad smile on our faces.

And how about those fabulous dentists, Dr. James Paladino and Dr. Bertram Hughes, who so willingly help those of us who couldn't possibly afford dental care? And the list of CHOICES' serious contributions to the well-being of our community goes on; which in turn provides healthier and more productive citizens.

Where has caring for people gone? We're talking about a quarter of a penny tax!

Who knows, it could be you needing CHOICES soon.

Glorida Ross, Gainesville
Apr21 2012
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Another CHOICES? When will it all end?

Gainesville Sun Letter to the Editor
As I was reading the article that, now, dentists are wanting to levy a sales tax on CHOICES, I got rather disgusted.

We have added a firefighters tax, and the School Board levied a penny tax. Now it seems all interest groups think they can get more money just by increasing our taxes, whether it be in a sales tax or on our already high property tax.

When is going to end? I'm overtaxed and tired.

Ann Yohler, Gainesville 
Apr20 2012
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Editorial: Bikes belong

Gainesville Sun Editorial
The last time gas prices spiked at $4 a gallon, in 2008, something else spiked as well: Bicycle sales and services.

And with gas prices on the rise again, cycling as an alternative means of transportation is likewise on the upswing.

"Conditions are ripe for an even bigger move to bicycling this year," argues the national advocacy group, Bikes Belong. "It is likely that the largest increases in bicycling due to high gas prices will happen in places where it is already easy and convenient to cycle; bike-friendly cities..."

Gainesville has long been rated Florida's most "bicycle-friendly" city by the League of American Bicyclists. And for more than a decade, Alachua County has had a bicycle master plan that envisions new and improved bike trails, bike lanes and sidewalks aimed at making cycling, and walking, even safer and more convenient in this university community.

The top priority in that master plan is the proposed Archer Braid Trail, which would eventually connect the suburban neighborhoods clustered along Archer and Tower Roads with the University of Florida and Gainesville's urban core.

To the extent that energy prices will likely continue to rise in the coming years, the case for completing the Archer Braid Trail will only grow stronger and more compelling.

It is no surprise that some residents of Haile Plantation would raise objections to the Archer Braid Trail running through their neighborhoods. The fear that bike trails will bring strangers, and crime, into neighborhoods is not uncommon, but for the most part such fears are unfounded.

On the whole, bicycle-pedestrian trails have been found to enhance, not detract from, the quality of life in neighborhoods and to improve property values. Indeed, a system of internal bicycle trails were incorporated into Haile Plantation's design from its very inception.

Of course county officials should work with concerned residents to ensure that trails are compatible with neighborhoods and designed with public safety in mind. But we urge the County Commission to stick to its master plan to make Gainesville and its surrounding suburbs ever more bicycle-friendly.

Because bikes belong in Gainesville ... and beyond.
Apr18 2012
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Cross-county trail's route through Haile creates controversy

Gainesville Sun Front Page
Apr18 2012
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Editorial: Stick with CRAs

Gainesville Sun Editorial
It wasn't that long ago that Alachua County Commissioners were considering creation of a Community Redevelopment Agency for unincorporated east Gainesville as a way to finance infrastructure improvements and stimulate economic development there.

Ultimately, the commission rejected that idea. Now, apparently, commissioners are wondering if perhaps too many "county" tax dollars are being spent in CRAs inside Gainesville and other municipal boundaries.

No question that county government is having to pinch pennies like never before. But even in the name of fiscal exigency it would be a mistake for county government to begin to back out of its fiscal participation in CRAs. In Gainesville in particular CRAs have been a crucial agent for positive change in the city's economic and infrastructure destiny. The tax incremental dollars invested in the CRAs have made Gainesville's urban core more livable and economically viable.

Bottom line: The city residents who live inside the CRAs are also county residents. To the extent that CRA-financed infrastructure improvements enhance neighborhoods and business districts, municipalities and county government alike share in the benefits.
Apr18 2012
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Group wants new CHOICES tax referendum on ballot

Gainesville Sun Local and State
Apr18 2012
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Recycled Latex Paint Giveaway Event

Alachua County Today(View Press Release)
ALACHUA COUNTY - The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department is holding the 18th Annual Recycled Latex Paint Giveaway on Saturday, May 5, 2012, beginning at 8 a.m., at the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station (5125 NE 63rd Avenue, 2 miles north of 39th Avenue, off Waldo Road).

The recycled paint will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available in 5 gallon pails with six colors to choose from: off white, beige, gray, terra cotta, green and blue. There is a 10 gallon limit per resident.

The event will distribute 3,600 gallons of recycled latex paint to community organizations, civic groups and people with special needs, free of charge. The paint can be used for homes and businesses that cannot afford the cost of new paint. It is suitable for either interior or exterior usage. The latex paint is collected throughout the year by the Hazardous Waste Program and shipped to a paint manufacturer where it is blended and repackaged into a 75% post consumer paint.

"A total of over 62,000 gallons of recycled paint has been provided to Alachua County residents since the inception of the program in 1994" said Kurt Seaburg, Hazardous Waste Coordinator for the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department. "The program began as a means of assisting homeowners and agencies beautify their property while recycling a product that still has value. The program has been highly successful and quite popular with County residents."

For any resident that is not able to attend the event, non-recycled free paint of varying quality and quantity which is dropped off by residents who no longer need it is available at the Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center's Recycle/Reuse Area. Residents can pick up some of this paint and other household products during normal business hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon.

For more information about the Recycled Latex Paint Giveaway, contact the Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 352-334-0440.

 

Apr17 2012
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County animal shelter looking to increase adoptions

Gainesville Sun Front Page