VOICES

Three Times Not a Charm for Trolley Park

Three times now a vehicle has slammed into the trolley park on 49th Street. This has resulted in injury and expensive repair to the park wall. I read that the city has studied repairs including some kind of flashing warning lights. It seems to me ineffective and expensive. I suggest a speed bump on each side of the street. In my walks in Gulfport I have noticed everyone slows for the bumps. I think this would be a much cheaper and more effective than the suggested lights. –Rev. C. Thomas Snapp, retired Lutheran pastor and Gulfport resident

Shipping Container Farm Controversy

Edited for length; you can read the full letter at the “Voices” section of thegabber.com.

Jim McConville’s article presents the situation as one couple (clearly the most affected by the proposal) and First United Methodist Church. The article presents a rather slanted view in favor of the introduction of a 40-foot industrial shipping container in a residential area. Giving very short notice, the church invited Sue Lloyd Davis to their Oct. 14 council meeting. Objections included: Food banks seek substantial, filling (food) for hungry families – reports from the very successful St. Pete Food Farm indicate no need for sprouts, usually used as garnish by very pricey restaurants; clear evidence that these fragile crops are very susceptible to several pathogens and have to be carefully monitored to prevent harm; (and that) packaging them for distribution is not in the province of well-meaning people. (Check out research on the inherent problems associated with raising these crops!)

No matter how you gussy up this commercial shipping container, it has no place in a residential community and could so easily set a dangerous precedent for other groups, nonprofits or others to justify doing the same thing with devastating implications, on our city’s character, which has allured all of us to live here. People now purchasing the highly inflated prices of Gulfport homes will certainly be among long-term residents in opposition to this proposal.

Although the article states the sprout farm “(is) close to reaching a compromise with their next-door neighbors,” there has been little indication of compromise on the part of the planners, with work already having been done, clearing landscaping where the plan is to place the proposed shipping container.

It is doubtful that any Gulfport resident would welcome looking out on one of these shipping containers! Would you? —Gerry O’Regan, Gulfport

Correction

In our Nov. 11 issue, The Gabber misidentified the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund as the Phyllis Plotnick Health Fund in “LGBTQ Gulfport Veterans Tell Their Stories.” In that same story, we also misidentified Robert Stanley’s partner, whom we should have identified as Carl. The Gabber Newspaper apologies for both errors.

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name, and should be as brief as possible. Letters may be lightly edited for content, clarity and length. We will not print letters that incite violence, include hate speech or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate. Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages. Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Gabber owners, advertisers or staff. Send letters to news@ thegabber. com or mail them to 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.