Letters to the editor
Keep LOYAL afloat
I was saddened to read of the closure of the afterschool program LOYAL, the effect of which will leave the city of Washington without an important resource for at-risk children.
The program has been a great addition to the Washington Community since Avery Turner Sr. founded the program shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Turner comes to the program following a decade of working and volunteering for a number of nonprofit programs that focused on youth services. He has been a successful fundraiser and understands the necessity of a well-run organization.
We as citizens of a service-oriented community must recognize LOYAL (Leading Our Youth to an Abundant Life) as a valuable community resource. One need only to peruse the schedule of programming to understand the benefits of a seven-day a week program that offers a multitude of services, from academic mentorships, and drug and alcohol counseling to fitness and athletic training. Our own granddaughter has benefited greatly from the boxing program, gaining strength and confidence.
LOYAL services a clientele of more than 180 children ages 5 to 18 on a regular basis. Many of these children come from nutritionally insecure homes and at-risk situations. LOYAL is in every sense of the word a lifeline for dozens of children. These children participate in city activities and parades and are readily visible from their informative T-shirts.
I would like to thank O-R reporter Conner Goetz for his coverage of this situation. Interested members of the community may speak directly to LOYAL director Avery Turner for more detailed information, specific financial needs and for encouragement to do whatever is necessary to preserve this program.
A vibrant city like Washington must not allow an organization like LOYAL to become a victim of its own success.
I thank the community for any and all consideration concerning the preservation of the LOYAL program.
John Mark Scott Jr.
Avella
Support tourism, not data centers
Jeff Kotula and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) support hyperscale data centers and gas power plants in the northern part of the county at Starpointe, Hanover Township, Champion Processing’s site as well at the Fort Cherry Connector, both in Robinson Township, Washington County.
These facilities will create a negative impact on communities not to mention on tourism by reducing the visitor economy, which Jeff Kotula and the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) recently called an $800 million economic engine.
Tourism destinations in northern Washington County, close to West Virginia, the airport and Pittsburgh offer outdoor recreation such as Hillman State Park, Game Land 117, the Montour and Panhandle Trails, historic covered bridges, local shops such as Andy’s Candies and Kramer’s Greenhouse and, of course, the entertainment venue, such as the Pepsi Roadhouse and The Pavilion at Star Lake. These all could see a decrease in attendance if massive hyperscale data centers and gas power plants are constructed nearby.
Tourism and agritourism in Washington County are tied to the agriculture industry.
This past April, WCTPA reported how agritourism is keeping the county alive and well. It pointed to tourism destinations in northern Washington County such as the Geary Farm in Robinson Township, Bedillion Honey Farm in Mt Pleasant Township and Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse in McDonald.
According to the USDA National Statistics Service, Washington County ranks among the top in the state for sheep, wool, and beef cattle. The county has a long agricultural history.
Data centers and attached gas power plants will bring air pollution, noise and vibration pollution to residents and the many farms and agritourism venues which contribute to the county’s large equine, livestock and forage industries.
Kotula and WCCC should not support data centers and gas power plants, but focus on promoting tourism, agritourism and protecting the agriculture industry, which not only brings economic benefit to the county but also promotes visitor economy and a healthy, sustainable living for residents all over the area.
Cathy Lodge
Bulger
Transparency, please
On Oct. 5, at the monthly Monongahela Township supervisors meeting, residents learned that the township is seeking public suggestions for a draft Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) on data center proposals in the township, with submissions requested as soon as possible for review.
For residents who were unable to attend a 9 a.m. Monday meeting, this sudden request — which never appeared in a public notice or previous agendas — provides an extremely limited opportunity to learn about the request, research appropriate protections and benefits, collaborate with neighbors, and submit thoughtful recommendations.
This concern is part of a larger issue. Residents have repeatedly asked that regular township meetings be moved from 9 a.m. to an evening hour, such as 6 p.m., so working residents and families have a realistic opportunity to attend and participate. Residents have also requested greater participation in the development of the CBA.
We are not asking to obstruct responsible economic development. We are asking for transparency, adequate time for public input, and a meaningful seat at the table when decisions of this magnitude are being made. In order to meet the needs of residents prior to the approval of significant development in our town, the supervisors should:
Provide residents an adequate and clearly publicized time to submit recommendations for any Community Benefits Agreement;
Ensure meaningful opportunities for public participation before finalizing any agreements affecting the community;
Schedule meetings and important public discussions to times accessible to working residents;
Promote transparency regarding environmental permitting, infrastructure impacts, community protections, and commitments made by developers;
Help ensure state agencies and elected officials remain engaged with residents as these projects move through the permitting and development process.
Our community is small, but the scale and potential long-term impact of these projects are substantial. Residents should not have to struggle simply to participate in decisions that will directly affect where they live.
Kimberly Barton
Greensboro