Friday, May 28, 2010

Letter to the Editor, Stoney Creek News, regarding Merlo's Clear-cut

As it's now been more than two weeks since 'the work to make the place neater' began, I've taken some more photos...and sent off a letter to the News.



Has there been any further communication between the News and Mr. Merlo?
Has he made public a more definitive plan for this plot of land, other than to tidy it up, make it neater, turn it into a more manageably mowable area?
How is that taking into consideration the cost involved in clear-cutting a chunk of land like this, it's now sat in such a horrible state for more than two weeks?

Has Battlefield Museum issued any further comment on the situation?
With the re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek imminent, does the Museum have any comment about 'Merlo's Clear-cut' in regards to questions asked by visitors?
If visitors ask 'What happened?', how is the Museum responding?
Has there been any deeper investigation into whether or not there was any plan in place as to what to do if the owner of this land suddenly began doing what he's begun doing? You know, an 'In case of emergency, break glass' -type plan?
And seeing as what was cut was not the full extent of his property, at what point would the Museum have actually gotten involved in raising the alarm to the public?

Does the News intend to interview any of the local residents on the west side of Centennial, especially those who have had direct and personal contact with Mr. Merlo?
Has the News spoken to residents on Battlefield and Alma about the purported intention to build access at this junction?
Has the News had much feedback on this issue from the general public?

How does the News see this issue importance-wise, in context of Life in Stoney Creek?
Does it see it as simply a possible MNR situation, a possible contravention of the Endangered Species Act?
How is it that Mr. Merlo has not been held accountable for, at the very least, making a real mess of an area so closely associated with a foundation event in Stoney Creek, the 'Battle of Stoney Creek' re-enactment?

Finally, I'm curious as to what the reaction -and the ensuing coverage- would have been had this chunk of land been more 'visible'. If, for the sake of argument, this hadn't been at the back of Battlefield Park, where few ever go, but right in Downtown Stoney Creek, say, next to Hopkins Park. I wonder if proximity = publicity.






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I'm always interested in feedback, differing opinions, even contrarian blasts...as long as they're delivered with decorum...with panache and flair always helping.