Four-Eight-Four [dot org]

I’m a bit late on this one … my friend Brian B. pointed out that the Wake Weekly has published two editorials that addresses the closing of The Corner and Burkenstocks because of the grease trap issue. Both echo some sentiments that I expressed in my (unpublished) letter that I submitted.
It appears that they don’t archive their old editorials, so I’m going to quote extensively from them here.

From the Oct. 13th issue:

Many people argued against the [water system] giveaway, telling local officials we would give up the right to control our own affairs.

That fear has now been realized.

…

Kathaleen Chandley may appear to be the victim in this case, but the truth is, we have all been victimized.

No more will we saunter along the North Main Historical District with a cone of ice cream in our hands.

No more will we sit in front of the big picture windows watching people pass as we eat a sandwich.

The lesson here is twofold. Town leaders should think twice before ceding authorities to other entities.

And local residents and business owners better get used to dealing with an 800-pound gorilla with little compassion for the little man.

(by Johnny Whitfield, Associate Editor)

From this past week’s (Oct. 20) editorial:

At the very least, Wake Forest commissioners should advocate, on behalf of the residents they are elected to serve, for a middle ground that gives business owners time to prepare for the expensive requirements trumpeted by Raleigh.

More appropriately, they should insist that Raleigh allow existing businesses to be grandfathered in under the rules as they existed prior to the giveaway.

If and when a business undergoes an expansion or some other major renovation, the rules in place at that time (Raleigh’s rules) should come into play.

Wake Forest has lost two well-regarded businesses in recent weeks.

Raleigh officials don’t really care.

Wake Forest’s officials should.

(by Johnny Whitfield, Associate Editor)