The founder of Cleveland Metroparks must be rolling over in his grave. In 1946, William Stinchcomb could never have conceived that a future park commissioner would exploit a 60 year-old Metroparks' easement so that he could build a high density development. But Fred Rzepka, President of both TransCon Builders and Metroparks Board of Commissioners, plans to do exactly that in Solon. Furthermore, their spokeman brags that the park would buffer other neighbors from the development, even as nearly 650 vehicles a day would cross park land and trails and dump onto park roads. Stinchcomb was not one to disguise his feelings; his response would have been unmitigated anger. "It seems to me that such fine stretches of natural highway should be secured for the benefit of the entire public before private enterprise or commercial industry places them beyond reach." The wise commissioners of the past having protected this land, it is absolutely unconscionable for a present day commissioner to destroy or devalue their work. And for his private gain. Citizens have a right to know where public officials' investments lie.
Marty Lesher
Olmsted Twp, Oh