Letters to the Editor

More knowledge needed
Editor: I understand that the city is considering closing the airport at the request of a developer in return for building a resort on a nearby property, with the developer assuming most costs of closing and repurposing the airport.
Before I, or anyone else without a direct personal stake, can take a position on such a matter, there must be knowledge of (1) the detailed proposal from the developer (both for the repurposing of the airport and the development of the nearby site), (2) a realistic estimate by the city of all costs and benefits and (3) the consequences in the event the developer fails to perform.
Costs have a way of ballooning beyond original casual estimates and developers have been known to fail to perform or request renegotiation. Although there may be substantial benefit to the city, myriad costs must be considered, including securing FAA approval, possible tax incentives, costs for providing services and utilities, legal fees, environmental studies, etc.
I am particularly concerned that toxic clean-up costs for repurposing an airport might be substantial and dwarf other costs.
Most letters published in the Reveille have been by those strongly supporting or strongly against airport closure and the associated development and have had insufficient information. Hopefully the city will provide the data necessary for residents to make an informed decision. If an agreement is ultimately made with a developer, I hope its provisions will provide maximum protection for the city.
Ron Caruso
Cloverdale
Why can’t airport and resort coexist?
Editor: I preface my comments by identifying myself. I am more “horsey” than interested in golf or resorts. However, I would like more logical choices made when it comes to closing the airport for a resort featuring an equestrian center. Sonoma County has many facilities available for equestrian activities. The statement that horses and airports do not mix is pointless.
Years ago Cloverdale was going to get a golf course. It has not happened. Looking at what would most benefit this community would be to have the resort with the airport to fly in golfers to a beautiful area, with wineries and all the amenities this area offers.
Look at Bandon Oregon, and what the Bandon Dunes golf complex has brought to a small town. It is a first class golf complex with resort, restaurant, and relies on a small airport to bring in world class golfers.
Cloverdale offers beautiful areas for hiking, biking, wineries and art of all kinds. I think, using this opportunity to entice golfers, and others, gives the airport an important part to play. This could be an opportunity to bring new life and financial stability to this community.
Muriel Niehaus
Cloverdale
Try Bolt
Editor: Last week I needed thread for a project, so I dropped by the fabric shop Bolt next to Plank. What a pleasant surprise. They have a fabulous selection of fabrics as well as household gifts, and best of all several nice new sewing machines that you can use.
The owners, Kate Barrett and Peter Rosson, are incredibly helpful and the shop is warm and cozy. There is an interesting variety of classes that you can see on their website www.boltcloverdale.com. You will be amazed.
Eileen West
Cloverdale
Value of community separators
Editor: There was an excellent article in last week’s issue of the Reveille regarding the renewal of community separators that were established in 1996. This measure will expire in 2016.
Now is the time to let Supervisor Gore know that in renewing this measure you favor additional community separators and added protections for significant natural resources within those separators. The land between Cloverdale and Geyserville is the jurisdiction of the county and should be included in these plans.
Virginia Greenwald
Cloverdale
A letter to Santa
Editor: I received this email from my middle-aged daughter and thought it was so sweet I wanted to share it with your readers:
Dear Santa,
You were asking what I wanted for Christmas the other day and I had a hard time answering that.
As usual, what I want is peace in my world (I gave up on the rest for now). Right now I have that. I have a wonderful husband who is a good provider and supports me in everything, who loves me unconditionally and calls me beautiful when I feel fat, toothless and ugly; I have a wonderful relationship with the best mom in the world, who also supports me in everything, who has provided for and protected me and sacrificed more than I will ever know, to give me the freedom to be the me I am today.
My son is enjoying some success in life by realizing the values and virtues of determination, responsibility and reliability. He seems to be happy and successful in both his job and his relationship, he’s moved out and is making his own way, and yet our relationship as mother and son has also improved exponentially as well (sarcasm aside, Captain Obvious knows the answer to that one) which makes me very happy.
I have a roof over my head, clothes for my back, food for my tummy and wood for my fire; so, it would seem that I already have what I want. That being said, the little girl in me who still very much loves toys, would like for you to take a look at these for consideration as a stocking stuffer. (There follows a link to some supplies for fire dancing, her favorite hobby.)
Virginia Carroll
Cloverdale