Regarding the article, "Development points to a brighter future for town, McKeesport officials say'' [May 8, South], let me first acknowledge that Mayor [James] Brewster has always been the first to promote the idea that McKeesport is open for business opportunities, and for that he deserves kudos.

Unfortunately, his unwillingness, or inability, to deal with quality-of-life issues for residents within the city is troubling at best. Especially worrisome is his repeated dismissive attitude toward "naysayers," or those with opinions, thoughts and/or advice that do not suit his priorities. Maybe he does not have the forethought to realize that constituents with "negative" things to say are just waiting for strong leadership to turn their problems into positives.

I have not lived in McKeesport for three years, but my elderly, retired parents still live in the house that I grew up in on Stewart Street. I cringe when I talk to them by phone, knowing that I will hear the latest issue about the frequent violence, animal abuse and littering issues that plague this once well-kept and vibrant working class neighborhood.

Improving quality of life for current residents may not figure into current city plans, but keeping and attracting homeowners (read: not landlords) will be impossible if this type of nonresponse is considered the norm. So, I encourage city officials, even the mayor (if he can tear himself away from economic summits), to visit the owner-occupied dwellings on Stewart Street, and ask them for their thoughts on how to make a success of, and how to better promote, McKeesport.

I ask the mayor to keep an open mind when he, inevitably, hears about negative issues. He should remember that as he is only hearing about them, not having to live with them day in and day out.

KERRI JACKSON

Squirrel Hill

The voices of a few have halted progress in Bethel Park, progress that would benefit students and community ("Zoning board denies variance needed to build high school," May 8").

The zoning hearing board, an appointed group, has determined what the elected members of the school board can do with their own property, saying no to a new high school. Yes, I know the law. It's a conservation district, but it sure doesn't make it right.

The plan to build a new high school is critical to keep Bethel Park moving into the 21st century.

Someone said at the zoning board hearing that building a new school would "take away green space." A new building would be LEED-certified, meaning it would be green and more energy efficient.

I guess the zoning hearing board and the people against the building don't care about the environment because, goodness knows, we can't "establish precedent" and grant a zoning variance for something that would benefit the community.

Now, if young couples are considering moving into the South Hills and looking at the school districts, this group of people has now caused a tough sell for Bethel Park. Great job, folks!

The majority of our school board wants to do what it takes to give our kids the best chance to succeed. But I guess Bethel Park will just become another aging Pennsylvania town that eventually dies off because some people think the old ways and the old buildings are just as good now as they were "back then."

DEAN IAMPIETRO

Bethel Park