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May 1, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: While the Gold Star monument is attractive and poignant and serves a noble cause, I do not feel that Jordans Point Park is the right place for it due to these concerns: — It is disturbing that this tiny natural oasis is going to be transformed with marble and five tons of concrete. Coming after the recent tree cutting fiasco, it feels like an additional affront. How much green will be destroyed for this? With more projects slated to follow such as a gazebo, playground, and possible sports courts, will the park have any natural elements left? We can’t afford to lose any more green space.
— Might there be a more suitable location in the community? This out-of-the-way park is small and intimate, and a monument of this scale could be overbearing. Some people come to the park to exercise, contemplate, seek nature and peace or do yoga, not to be confronted with reminders of war. It seems like Woods Creek, which is vast, would be better, or the Brewbaker complex, also vast in comparison, with many more people around to appreciate it. What about the entrance to the south side of town, or a collaboration with the Armory?
— It’s astonishing that a mere request by a student was instantly voted upon and passed without any citizen input. Is the City Council actually able to disrupt and essentially give away pieces of our public land in this manner?
— City officials cited public requests for better river views as the reason for removing trees from the park. Nowhere in the master plan or community feedback summary is there mention of monuments or a wish list for such. It looks like the monument idea sprang up and was railroaded through despite set aims and goals for the space.
I urge city officials to consider these points and to provide the opportunity for public discourse. TONI WILLIAMS Lexington
