City, county and state are moving to develop the Port of Baltimore
The editorial ("No unified vision of city's east side," June 22) calls for the establishment of a unified master plan for Baltimore's eastern industrial waterfront. This is an appropriate request and one that is being answered.
Gov. Parris N. Glendening, Baltimore City and the General Assembly foresaw the need for a unified, multijurisdictional approach to planning and redevelopment of land surrounding the Port of Baltimore.
The governor submitted legislation, sponsored by Baltimore County state Sen. Thomas Bromwell (District 8), that was passed, establishing a Port Land Use Development Advisory Council.
The council's mission includes:
Creating a port land use development zone extending from Brandon Shores in Anne Arundel County around the waterfront to Middle River in Baltimore County.
Coordinating the development between the jurisdictions of a master plan and marketing scheme for properties in the zone to make vacant and underutilized properties productive.
The law adds regional support to local zoning authorities and facilitates economic development, job creation and environmental rehabilitation.
The Bill also created a Port Land Use Development Office within the Maryland Port Administration to work with the public and private sectors to support the council and ensure state help.
The office looks forward to working with the city to develop a "smart growth"-oriented master plan for East Baltimore that will encourage the prudent development of this vital waterfront area.
Alan P. Kurland
Baltimore
The writer is director of the Port Land Use Development Office.
Balto. County needs a park with playgrounds and trails
Your article on the Woodlands Golf Course opening indicates that Baltimore County does indeed have land on which to build golf courses to make the county attractive to businesses and their executives ("Balto. County golf course prepares to tee off," June 29).
Most countians don't play golf but would be delighted to enjoy a family park with playgrounds, picnic tables, ball fields, biking-hiking trails and maybe a small pond with ducks.
Such parks, rather than golf courses, would make the county much more attractive to the great majority of residents at a much lower cost in dollars and land area.
But these parks are extremely rare, especially outside the central part of the county, and most residents cannot readily visit them.
Can't the county find land and money for common parks for common folk? I can hear the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Revenue Authority respond to this question with a royal "Let them play golf."
Nelson L. Hyman
Randallstown
Bicyclist without helmet sends a dangerous message
I am writing in regard to your article ("Retiree shifts gears, over and over again," June 30) about Marvin Yaker and the North Central Railroad Trail.
If Marvin Yaker really wants to pull nails from his coffin, he should wear a helmet when he bicycles. Even on the North Central Railroad Trail with its absence of cars there is a significant possibility for accidents.
A stick in his wheel, or a collision with a walker, jogger, another cyclist or an animal running across the trail could all cause a spill. Any fall, at any speed and onto any surface, has the potential for head injury or death.
I am sorry The Sun does not have a policy not to publish pictures of cyclists without helmets for these "soft" stories. Helmets are recommended for all riders, adults and children and required by law in the state of Maryland to be worn by children under 16.
Although your front-page picture was aesthetically pleasing, it sends the wrong message to the thousands of children who ride without them. Just like the messages sent by your frequent reference to whether drivers and passengers in automobile accidents were wearing seat belts, awareness of the importance of helmet use should be the responsibility of those with the ability to educate the public on this issue.
Robert S. Frank
Ellicott City Joyce Lyons Terhes' letter ("Endorsement from Taylor written on prohibited paper," June 22) reminds me of a terrific quote from the Bible: "You witness the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not consider the beam in your own eye."
Before Marylanders consider her suggestion and disregared House of Delegates Speaker Casper Taylor's endorsement of Gov. Parris N. Glendening, consider this: The Republicans in Congress sold themselves and our children to the cigarette industry.
Perhaps the honorable chair should make sure her own house is in order before she waves the flag of integrity.
Ralph L. Sapia
Ocean City
Adding Kaufman talk show would enliven the airwaves
I thank The Sun and Richard O'Mara for the excellent article about A. Robert Kaufman ("Class Warrior," June 16). Bob Kaufman should have an opportunity to host a non-paying one hour a week public affairs talk show on radio station WEAA.
Having observed him livening the Maryland scene since 1953, I know that his concern for the poor, justice and civil rights has been unique.
He would bring to WEAA a stimulating perspective that would invite response. One doesn't have to agree with him or see him as a bosom buddy to recognize that he has something to offer.
Chester Wickwire
Towson
The writer is chaplain emeritus at Johns Hopkins University.
Lacrosse coach forced out for all the wrong reasons
Universities, as centers of learning, molders of young minds and teachers of tomorrow's leaders, have a heavy responsibility to lead by example. It is with that in mind that I comment on Johns Hopkins University's removal of its lacrosse coach, Tony Seaman ("Seaman resigns at Hopkins," June 23).
Mr. Seaman was forced to resign despite a winning record of .700, the respect of his peers, and the admiration of his players. He was unceremoniously fired, without warning, because some disgruntled alumni with deep pockets were upset that Hopkins hadn't won a national championship in the seven or eight years that Mr. Seaman coached Hopkins.
I guess Hopkins wanted to teach its students that honor, integrity, loyalty and the responsibility of protecting those members of your organization who perform well are all right in their place, but when push comes to shove, money outweighs them all.
Lawrence J. Ageloff
Towson
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The Sun's reporting of the forced resignation of Tony Seaman is disturbing. I applaud the university for setting a high standard and acting to achieve the same.
The opinions and quotes of unnamed sources, mixed with those of friends and colleagues, are not relevant. While blaming alumni for the move, The Sun has no quotes from alumni.
It appears that The Sun is more interested in manufacturing a negative situation than reporting Hopkins' commitment to return to the top level of the sport. Perhaps The Sun is uncomfortable with how Hopkins defines success.
Michael S. Riley
Towson