Letters to the Editor
Think of the farmers
Hooray for Warren Mickey and his defense of our farmers who are fighting to maintain their livelihood. What would we do without farmers? I can’t even grow a successful home garden because of the stink bugs we are now polluted with from a foreign country. In my opinion, the EPA has grown so powerful that it is now exerting that power much too far. It is critical that farmers receive the support they need to hold on to their farms and the very necessary service they provide to all of us.
Dr. Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko
Shenandoah Junction
Appalled at CVS decision
Charles Town is an amazing city where history and vibrant new growth exist side by side. The challenges we face in determining the future of our community are driven by these two forces. Achieving balance is not a new concern and as a citizen I admit that I have not followed local events closely since the birth of my daughter last summer. However, I was horrified to learn about the CVS that has been approved for the corner of Washington and West Streets.
How can we reconcile 65 parking spaces and the demolition of six buildings within the historic district with our vision of downtown as a shopping and dining destination? What benefit is seen if this store’s construction may result in the closing of 2-3 other CVS locations?
I know that this project has already been approved and I’m sorry. I apologize to our City Council for not paying better attention and letting you know how I felt before you rendered this decision. I apologize to the neighboring businesses on Washington Street for not doing my part as a citizen to preserve the integrity of our downtown. I apologize to current employees of local CVS stores for not helping protect your jobs. I apologize to the owners of those buildings that will be torn down — I’m sure the decision was driven by our poor real estate market and not really what you wanted.
And finally, I apologize to my daughter: Carina, when your Dad and I chose Charles Town for you to grow up in, we never meant to heedlessly let your beautiful hometown change this way.
Jean Manning Petti
Charles Town
