Sept. 12, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: In regard to the Sept. 10 editorial I have a few observations.
What was left unsaid is that this “massive project,” if approved, will fundamentally alter the entire city of Buena Vista, both aesthetically and demographically. Not just Seminary Hill.
City Council did wisely table the public hearing process due woefully inadequate parking in the proposal. Surrounding neighborhoods are guaranteed to be affected by student parking with this project.
I was disappointed to read the statement that the editors could not fathom where the city would be without SVU. The statement that Buena Vista is more of a college town than it was in former days is misleading. While it is true that SVU currently has a larger enrollment than its predecessors, it is only a part of the city. Buena Vista remains an industrial leader for the area. These industries are an integral part of our community. I hope these industries continue to grow and flourish.
Additionally, I was appalled to read the statement that “the offspring of faculty and students who have opted to remain here after graduation are helping to populate the city schools with quality students who are raising the divisions test scores.” What then must be the students who are not of the SVU population? The opposite of quality can be defined as inferior or mediocre.
I am a lifelong resident of Buena Vista. I love my “hometown.” My family and I are products of the Buena Vista schools. A manufacturing job has supported my family for over 26 years. I am very proud of Buena Vista’s history as the industrial hub of the area. I am thankful for the manufacturing industries that call Buena Vista home. I was truly offended after reading that editorial.
HEATHER MADISON Buena Vista
