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Show Page A9 (The (Ttnug-3nbrpmbf- Thursday, June 14, 2001 nt Planning Commission ignored public input Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: The Planning Commission has once again ignored public input by proposing a Wilderness Lodge revision that allows bigger hotels on agricultural Pay closer attention to bike riders Dear Editor: I am writing this in response to Ms. Boyers letter. With all due respect we all need to remember that consideration goes both ways. While driving I have myself cursed many a biker riding three or four abreast and once came close to killing someone who stopped in the middle of the road on a blind curve. However, it is important to remember that the biker is risking a lot more, sometimes their very lives, when sharing the road with drivers. Recently due to the increase in gas prices and the need for more exercise, I decided to park my car and buy a trailer for my bike. But every day I venture out I wonder if I am putting my life and the lives of my children at risk. I ride as far over to the side as possible. Far enough to make it hard to avoid the potholes, get goatheads in my tires and wish my bike had shocks. Some of the roads in this town are so bad I wonder if I am giving shaken baby syndrome to my children. (5th West in particular) Yet continually cars pass me so close that I shudder. Occasionally, it seems a car is just inches from my side. A few times I have almost felt the lands. side mirror of a car as it passed. Now I am fairly hard to miss, the big red trailer with a bright orange flag and floaty toys strapped to the top tends to stand out. I can only guess many drivers dont realize how wide their cars are. Or perhaps they just wont make the effort to move over a bit when passing. Technically the law says a bike is a vehicle and a car should move completely across the line when passing. I realize that is asking a bit much but a little consideration would be nice. So I ask the drivers of Moab, to please pay closer attention. Most of the time you do, but it just takes one time to kill a biker. Just last year a Moab citizen was killed by a car, another was injured last fall. Im going to continue to bike instead of drive. I need the exercise and I sure cant afford gas these days. So please for the sake of my kids, and the other bikers on the road, pay attention and move over when passing. Thank you, Heidi Wainer Moab Bicycles belong on the street Dear Moab, Elaine Boyers letter to the TI last week advised bicyclists not to be road hogs. Not being a road hog is defined as riding single file in our" lane, or on the shoulder. It would be great to just ride in my" lane, but more often than not my" lane doesnt exist, or the painted lines are so faint that it might as well not exist. Case in point: Main Street. When I am bicycling on Main Street, I ride in the right traffic lane, a little left of the white line. This is where the law says I should ride. To the right of that line is a PARKING lane. It makes intuitive sense that since I am traffic, and am not parking, I should ride in a traffic lane. Some bicyclists ride in the parking lane because they are afraid to ride in traffic, but that does not transform the parking lane into a bike lane. Unfortunately, there are many motorists who think that bicycles dont belong in their" lane. Let me tell you the events of about two hours of a bicyclists life. The other day on my way to dinner, I was cut off once, nearly run off the road twice, and was instructed to get off the road. At dinner, I met a bicyclist friend who was in a rage because he was nearly hit by a reckless driver. On my way home I was nearly hit and a man leaned out of a car and tried to intimidate me into riding in the parking lane. The problem here is mostly a result of ignorance, which is curable. Bicycles are vehicles too, and they constitute traffic. Unless making a left turn, they ride on the right portion of the right traffic lane (or a bike lane when provided). Bicyclists are legally permitted to ride two abreast in many situations, as well. Motorists must share the right hand lane with bicyclists. If the lane is not wide enough to pass a bicycle SAFELY, change lanes and Its easy. Id like to encourage pass. cyclists to stop riding in parking lanes and take your rightful place on the road. And to Elaine: I am traffic and I will not ride on a shoulder for you or anyone else. Matt Bowker, Moab In February the County Council, in a vote, instructed the commission to consider an amendment to the land use code requiring developers to apply for a zone change in order to build hotels in R&G districts. The amendment also put a cap on units for such resorts. But instead of tightening the Wilderness Lodge loophole, the commission voted last week to stretch that loophole wide enough to shove through a mile-lon- g Club Med sideways. Defying unanimous public comments against the revision, the commission voted to eliminate the average room size limit, and also to permit multiple restaurants, gift shops, and spas where the existing code allows only one. Although one member of the commission claimed that the purpose of the changes was to 6-- 1 the Editor: Hello, Moab! Once again! I havent been here since I was a little girl. Except I did come here about almost 11 years ago, to pay my respects to a very dear man, who is, was, and always will be the only person who really taught me the joy of life and seeing things that everyone seems to ignore. Beauty, beauty of our land, and the mountains, and Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point, The Needles... there is so much beauty here that you just dont realize. My grandfather taught me this years ago, and he wasnt the only one. My grandmother was right beside him, I went to school here in third to fifth grade. They were the best times I ever had in my life. I owe it all to my grandfather who has passed away, and my grandmother, who still resides here in Moab. Without the both of them, I really would never know the true meaning of beauty in this world. I am older now and have children of my own, and I want them to see what I was able to see. Moab has really grown since I was here as a child. I still see all of the local people still stick together and there are so many activities for chil dren. It is wonderful. I am proud to be here and raise my children in this healthy environment. It was also great to see my sister after many years, and to see she is doing well with her husband and children. The one thing I miss though, is seeing the old park ranger building. It is now somewhere else. But thats ok, I have my memories. My grandfather is Lyle Johnson, park ranger to Arches National Park, bless his soul. I havent been to Arches since Ive been back. . .yet. . .but I will soon. I used to know every nook and cranny, but Im sure some of it has changed. All but one thing, the beauty. This is the most awesome place I have ever been and now that Im older and more wiser I wish I would have paid more attention to my grandmother, Lois Jamison, when I was younger and she showed me all these things. Well, I just wanted to let her know that I really did pay attention, but now I have grown older and realize. Thank you Grandma. I love you very much, and without you and Grandpa, I dont know where or if I would have found my peace that I feel now, back here in Moab. Rhonda Nickerson Moab Clarifying the title and description of development director Dear Sam: I was disappointed to see the total omission of the Moab to Monument Film Valley Film Commisarticle on Grand sion in last weeks front-pag- e for Economic director new of a selection Countys write the job descripDevelopment." Having helped tion, I know that the job was restructured to give more support to the film commission. For clarification, the correct title is Moab Area Economic DevelopmentFilm Commission Coordinator." In that position, Ken Davey will head up Economic Development, as well as the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission (which serves an area greater than Grand County, with additional funding coming from San Juan County). Although MMVFC is a vital part of economic development, it holds the record as the longest ongoing film commission in the world and has earned a separate title. We worked for years to develop the professional film crew and services we have in southeastern Utah. If the film industry is to be a part of our future, we cannot afford to lose these professionals. The reduction in local support of this reliable industry over the past year has already caused major payroll losses and generated rumors that we are no longer in business. Grand Countys recent efforts to beef up the film commission by contributing more money to the MMVFC budget (through the economic development office) will hopefully get the business back on track. To succeed, it will take considerable proactive recruiting and a PR program advising the publicindustry that we have excellent local crew, the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission is alive and well, and film business is welcomed in southeastern Utah. You have always been a big supporter of the film industry, Sam, and anything The Times can do to help get this word out will be appreciated. The main thrust of the new economic development office is to enhance and build upon what economic diversification we have going. Over the years, MMVFC has brought millions of outside dollars into the area. In my opinion, it is an industry well worth saving and enhancing! Sincerely concerned, Bette L. Stanton . Past director of MMVFC & Economic Development Moab Letters to THE EDITOR POLICY Sam, I just want to thank all the WONDERFUL people here in the community of Moab for all their great help with Butch Cassidy days and the rodeo this year. We had a lot of people come out and volunteer their time unselfishly when they could have been doing other things that probably would have been more fun and no doubt less work. I would also like to thank my work crew" for all the hard work they sustained every day, lead- - Times-lndepende- ail nt Times-Independe- nt so-call- Mo. d ing up to and fixing up after the rodeo. Now that its over you can all take a deep breath and relax as I take this time to give you a put on I so and Rodeo thank Club back. The the very you much and are so grateful for all the help and effort you put forth. Heres looking forward to next year! well-deserve- d Sincerely, Marvin L. Day Canyonlands Rodeo Chairman Moab Boater survives incident due to help of others Dear Editor, Saturday evening was involved in a boating incident that left my dog and me marooned on an island on the Colorado River for 18 hours. Id like to publicly thank the folks who went above and beyond to get us off the island and home I safely: Big Brad, for walking from Fish Ford to Cisco Landing and alerting every person he saw to the situation; Jennifer, Sue, and Pam, who took the time and effort from their peaceful float to rescue Barney (the dog) and me. They watered and fed us and didnt ask anything in return accept that we do the same for someone else in need, The gopher hunters for making sure Barney and I had water and food, and trying their cell phone; Richard, Kathy, and a great tour group, thank you very much for hailing me out of a potentially situation, waiting patiently, doing the detour and driving me home. You all worked to save my butt and I wanted to make sure everyone knows how much appreciated it 1 Kelly Ericson Moab Castle Valley Comments by Ron Drake a few Castle Valley resibe organizing what will become an annual community This fall, dents will event in the valley. They are inviting everyone to participate in the first annual Castle Valley Gourd Fest. The event will be held on the community lot on Saturday, Oct. 27 beginning at 1 1 a.m. Their priority is to involve everyone in a fun event with no political agenda except to have a gourd celebration. Since gourds take a year to cure before they are ready for craft projects, you need to plant now for next year's festival. This years harvested gourds can still be displayed and traded but just not used for crafts. But not to worry for this year because they have Ions of gourds" they will be happy to give away for people to work on from people who have been growing them for years. One of the reasons for the an- nouncement well in advance is to give time to prepare a creation to enter the festival. Residents are invited to participate in the festival by growing gourds, creating a showcase gourd using your unique personal artistry, entering fine gourd art, writing and photography, or making musical instruments. Workshops will also be offered for all ages. Or you can just show up and enjoy a noon potluck and spend the day taking pleasure in the general festivities. Also, visitors from other gourd festivals from distant and exotic places will be present as well. They The welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject pertinent to Southeastern Utah. Letters should be to the point and must include the writer's name, address and telephone number. Letters may not be used to replace advertisements, or to list and thank sponsors or participants to a particular event. Letters to the editor will be not be accepted from any candidate who has filed for political office or from anyone writing in support of a filed candidate. Anything unsigned, of a libelous nature, or containing defamatory statements will not be considered for publication. All letters must be typed or legibly written, and be 400 words or less. Letters are subject to editing, Mail to Letter to the Editor," P.O. Box 129, Moab, Utah, 84532. Deadline is Monday, 5 p.m. Letters may also be sent to editor moabtimes.com. The via may not accept letters from persons who write more frequently than once every four weeks. developer. I encourage the council to rein in the misguided commission that has chosen to inflame rather than resolve this controversy. I am confident that our elected officials, upon considering public opinion, will vote against this revision of the Wilderness Lodge loophole. Mark Sundeen Thanks to people who helped with the rodeo Looking at the past, and into the future To clarify" the code, a close examination revealed that the real purpose was to increase size and scale of commercial developments. Planning Consultant Richard Grice even stated that the commission wishes to encourage this resort land use," affirming a suspicion among citizens that the Planning Commission has devolved into little more than a pep squad for land speculators. Indeed, the fact that these revisions would so conveniently accommodate the pending Cloudrock proposal gives the unfortunate appearance that our appointed commissioners, instead of upholding existing code, are actually rewriting local law to pander to a New York will have seemingly end- less awards" for decorating gourds that include largest, smallest, most original, least original, best sound from a gourd and most useful. Other awards include best and worst portrait, best and worst gourd costume or mask, best group effort gourd and other surprises and delights. For more information or a free gourd, contact Rebecca Martin who will be in and out all summer or Cris Coffey at at In the meantime, get growing for next year. Several varieties of gourd plants are available at the Garden Center, 240 W. Center St. in Moab, Seeds are available from gourd growers in the valley or from Cris. Tips on growing great gourds by Alice Drogin can be found on the 259-117- 6 259-224- 5. near the mailboxes; for are free the taking. She they says to disturb the roots as little bulletin board as possible and plant seedling three feet apart. Plants will need regular watering every day in the heat of summer. The bad news is that the whole plant has a odor, but the great news is that squash bugs do not seem to like it; actually there are no real pests. The main vine produces male flowers, which make pollen; the off the main vine are female they are pollinated by bees or humans and produce the gourd fruits. Once your vine has set as many fruits as you like, you can cut back on the growing tips. This will direct energy into maturing the existing fruit instead of producing more. Apparently people from all over the world grow gourds and folks have these types of all of the time. Who knows, Castle Valleys event might eventually have a parade and we'll have an opportunity to elect a gourd queen to represent the valley side-shoo- ts People in Castle Valley over the years have lived in all sorts and different types of dwellings Some have been of a temporary nature until a permanent home could be built like teepees and dugouts Another abode in the valley includes a cave home and other creative architectural designs Some lately have been large stately homes nestled on the high ledges overlooking the valley Most of the homes here are wonderful and unique places that reflect the personalities of their owners The one that rolled into the valley Monday morning was a little different from all the rest, however It was an old railroad caboose that will find a permanent spot at the end of Miller Lane. The Kincaid Family apparently purchased the refurbished rail car from a broker who specializes in such things The home was transported on two flatbed and was unloaded by a large crane onto a section of track, according to M'tch Stock, a local builder who was in charge of the project The new valley dwelling, a beautiful old car built in 1 906, was modified inside to be used as a home with all the modern conveniences 25-to- n semi-traile- rs |