LETTERS: Utility rate hike would be unfair to current residents

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Utility rate hike would be unfair to current residents

Dear Editor:

I read in the Observer, Nov. 16, 2023, about the utility study and how we, the residents of Palm Coast, will be charged an (estimated) 18% increase in our utility bills because of all the new development the City Council has approved/allowed.

Now, does that make sense to anyone? When the Council approved all the new development, did they take into consideration the impact on our current facilities, or did they just think, "The residents will pay for it."

This article also stated the "average single-family home in Palm Coast has a monthly bill of $71.09." I would like to meet that family to ask how they could have such a low bill. I do not know anyone who pays less than $100. I wonder if those families are, in fact, snowbirds and only live in Palm Coast for half a year.

The new proposed "Life Line" tier: "48% of the homes in Palm Coast use less than 2,000 gallons"? I know several single-person homes, and none of them have used less than 2,000 gallons per month. Couldn't the city consider raising that amount and take into consideration the number of seniors living on fixed incomes? Perhaps the City Council would prefer we all not bathe or wash our clothes regularly.

I was glad to read the council members in attendance at this particular meeting "were hesitant to voice approval for the increase," and I hope they continue to think that way. It is time, past time, for the council to think about what is best for the current residents of Palm Coast, not the ones that may move here in the future.

Linda Hauanio

Palm Coast, FL

District was right to keep the Bible in schools

Dear Editor:

As I work in my flower garden, I separate the weeds from the gardenias and geraniums. I've noticed the produce manager evaluating fruits and vegetables for sales quality. Because of reliable experience, often we've re-purchased a certain brand of vehicle.

Isn't it wonderful to live in a country that gives us personal choices? Sometimes those choices are made for us.

We also have the personal choice of accepting the Bible as a book of history, as the word of God, or rejecting it as a non-believer. But using the argument to compare it to graphic sexual exploitation and discrimination is beyond the pale.

Many have read the Bible cover to cover and found it to be a message to honor everyone, a story of second, third, and fourth chances in life, a history of humans with human frailties that lived a human life, were tempted and paid the price. But with faith, they were given hope and redemption.

Lessons taught thousands of years ago are as vital today in our schools as they were 57 B.C.

Thank goodness for the courage of our school leader to stay the course instead of political correction. In God We Trust.

Phil Youtz

Palm Coast

Let's fix intersection to save a life

Dear Editor:

I would like to reference the article in last week's Observer (Nov. 2 I believe) where students of Flagler Palm Coast High School met with Sheriff Rick Staly to discuss the intersection of Belle Terre Parkway and State Road 100.

The senior's concern was over the danger posed when students attempt to cross the intersection going to and from the high school. However (I believe) Sheriff Staly stated local authorities have no jurisdiction over traffic concerns; it's a state issue.

I live in Cypress Knoll and frequently use that intersection. I have seen students and others trying to cross there with great difficulty because cars take a right on red when the walk signal is white.

People cross when the walk signal is white for them, and cars approach the intersection believing their path is clear to take a right on red when actually someone is beginning their crossing on the other side of the street. This is exacerbated when cars at the light stop beyond the white stop lines, limiting the visibility of people crossing from the other side.

Just the other day, I saw a car approach from S.R. 100, traveling west, turning right on Belle Terre, and a student on his bike was legally crossing the intersection on S.R. 100 traveling east. The boy was hurrying across the lanes of traffic to make the white crossing light in time, and the oncoming car proceeded with his right turn when he and the boy almost collided, avoiding a tragedy. And this is not the only time I've seen this.

The students have a legitimate concern. A possible solution would be to delay the "green right turn signal" until the white cross light turns red, and include signage stating, "RIGHT TURN ON GREEN ARROW ONLY." This would prevent any traffic from moving while pedestrians are crossing.

Let's save a life before it's too late.

Diana Salerno

Palm Coast

Send letters of up to 400 words to Managing Editor Jonathan Simmons at [email protected]. Editor may alter the letter for length or clarity.