Thinking About Dayton, Every Day

Dear Editor:

I think about Dayton every day. For most of you reading this, you might think, "so what, I live here". I don't live there. I spend a large portion of my day dealing with urban sprawl, traffic, pollution, stress, out-of-control development and the problems of 18 – 25 year olds. I teach ecology and environmental biology at a local university. My husband John and I live in the Poconos, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, one of the fastest growing counties in the US. Our population growth is a result of movement out of New York City by folks that experienced the tragedy of the Twin Towers bombing. You can't blame them. However, city folks don't often understand that the quality of life that makes them want to have a rural life, is the most endangered part of that rural life they seek. We have had a 20% population increase in the last 5 years and people are pushing the boundaries of the forests, streams, agricultural areas, and villages.

I grew up in Dayton, and didn't really appreciate a moment of that charmed childhood until I left. I spent sunlit days along the Touchet, turning over rocks and fishing. As a family we spent as many hot August days at Mountain Home Park in Monty's pond as we could. I hiked around Camp Nancy Lee and Camp Wooten and spotted wildlife. Those experiences primed me to be a biologist and environmentalist. I don't want to give up on the Poconos, but the idea of retirement here is not pleasant. I've convinced my Florida-born husband that we really ought to move to Dayton. With that idea in mind we bought land out on Jasper Mountain road. Now it is just rocks and a view, but we have plans.

It is exciting to learn that Dayton and Columbia County have a future planning process in the County Comprehensive Plan. Zoning and development regulation are essential to the planning process. Planning needs to involve all of the stakeholders and consensus should be reached about the future. Here's why: 20 years ago, Monroe County Pennsylvania was a quiet, mostly rural area with some farming, low-impact resorts, some of the best fly fishing in the east and many retired citizens. Not exactly Columbia County, Washington, but people who lived in the Poconos then, never imagined the changes that unplanned development, lack of environmental protection, lack of small farm protection and sprawl would cause. I encourage all of you to attend the public meetings and get involved. Twenty years is just a blink and lack of planning can't be undone.

Jeri Jewett-Smith

East Stroudsburg, PA

Student Concerts Enjoyable

Dear Editor:

We recently attended the 6-12 Spring Concert put on by the Dayton students with the leadership of Carolyn Rundell. This was just one of many that we have gone to over many years and have always gone away with appreciation and wonder at how well the students do. The grace and poise the students show along with the talent and respect they show Mrs. Rundell is so evident. We think Carolyn Rundell should be commended for all of the years of dedication and hard work that she has given to all of us, not only her musicians but the family and friends that were able to go to the concerts and appreciate their hard work and remarkable talent. We thank you all.

Jack and Jeanne Rushton,

Dayton

Letters invited

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