Letters to Dr. Lewis

[sjledet]

Here's what my wife Suzanne wrote:

Dr. Lewis,

My husband and I own 2176 Heritage Drive. We purchased this home in
1994. We started our family of 4 boys at this home. The home at 2176
Heritage Drive has a wide grassy front yard and a great climbing
magnolia tree. We have spent a large amount of time playing right on
Heritage Drive.

When we first moved here, there were no other young families on this
street. As the years have gone by, younger families have moved in. It
is a very desirable neighborhood for young families because of the
following reasons:
1. A safe park within walking distance.
2. A nice neighborhood pool.
3. One of the best elementary schools in Dekalb, Oak Grove.
4. One of the best high schools in Dekalb, Lakeside.
5. Many young families raising young children to socialize with.

Having small children, the traffic has alway been a concern to me on
Heritage Drive. Cars have always gone too fast. At one time, I
contacted the county about speed bumps, but was told because of the
location, it was not possible. We also had a police officer monitor
for speeders. Because the kitchen window at the sink of our home looks
out across Heritage Drive, I have seen often first hand who the fast
drivers were and at what times speeding would occur. Mostly it was
young drivers and it was during the school year.

Over the years, the homes in the surrounding area have had more crime
and break-ins. I am so disappointed with Dekalb County. I was a
concerned and caring citizen in Dekalb. I tried to get speed bumps. I
socialized with my neighbors. I became friends with the sanitation
workers. I rallied the members of Echo Ridge to put in a new
playground at the pool.

Please work to preserve the peace on Heritage Drive. Please, please,
please do not put a high school on this street.