Reader: Northaven Trail a ‘Violation’

I think we all love reader feedback, even when it’s not exactly praise. And Debbie Newman, whose home backs up to Northaven Trail, had some choice words after reading my print story last week about the new trailhead (PDF warning: said project is now a consent item on the City Council’s Aug. 22 agenda).

Anyway, because the story had a relatively rah-rah, everyone-seems-happy tone, I’d say it’s pretty important that we hear Debbie’s take too. Pasted, with permission, from an email:

I would like you to know that everyone does not see this project as a wonderful new addition to our lives.

We purchased this house about five years ago. I was not happy about the power lines at the rear of our property, but I felt it was a tradeoff for the advantage of being next to vacant land, which would be peaceful and private. No neighbors backing up to our property!

I think I may have received a postcard about a meeting taking place about the trail, but had no idea of the scope of what was being planned.  I am also not aware of any disclosures from Realtors when we bought the property of what was in the planning stages.

Imagine my surprise a few months ago, when I heard machines and lots of high-pitched beeping noises outside of my backyard. I went outside to look at what was going on, and a path had been laid out about 10 feet from my property line.

To make a long story short, I called our councilwoman to complain and was referred to our local Park and Recreation neighborhood volunteer representative, Lee Kleinman, who was very nice, and came to my home and listened, but that’s about all.

I realize this is a done deal, but I can’t help but feel that this is a violation of my privacy, not to mention I will need to put up a new chain-link fence to provide more security for the throngs of people who will be flocking to my backyard and can now drive and park at the JCC to get here!

I am reminded of this violation to my quiet neighborhood every day when I see all the brand new, painted lines on the cross-streets so we don’t hit any pedestrians. I wonder why money is being spent on all of this when teachers have been cut back and food shelves are bare.

Thoughts?

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12 thoughts on “Reader: Northaven Trail a ‘Violation’

  • August 16, 2012 at 1:54 pm
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    Ok I’ll bite… Let me see if I understand:

    I don’t like my neighbors.
    I didn’t do any due diligence when I bought this house.
    I don’t read my mail.
    No one told me – it’s someone elses’s fault.
    It takes heavy equipment to get my attention.
    There is going to be throngs of people flocking to my backyard – probably Jews.
    Don’t walk down my street.

    Really? You bought a house on a huge utility easement, with no fence, with the expectation that you could consider the vacant land your own…in the middle of the city. Good grief.

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  • August 16, 2012 at 3:44 pm
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    @CW – Thanks, I couldn’t have said it any better myself.

    Debbie Newman is just a whiny little entitled brat. How can this even be a violation of her privacy? Does she have a prior agreement with the city that no one would ever be allowed to enter the utility easement behind her house? And I seriously doubt the trail users will be “flocking to her backyard”. Heaven forbid someone might even glance over at her ugly backyard as they pass by on the trail.

    She sounds like someone who would be stupid enough to sit on a black bench outside Cowboys Stadium in the middle of August and then sue Jerry Jones for not warning her that the bench might be hot from the sun. Get a clue lady!

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  • August 16, 2012 at 3:49 pm
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    Ditto everything CW said. Except to add — if you’re going to do a fence, do a privacy fence, not chain-link.

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  • August 16, 2012 at 4:34 pm
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    @CW: But “teachers have been cut back and food shelves are bare.” Think of the children!!!1!

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  • August 16, 2012 at 7:40 pm
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    “throngs” of people will be “flocking” to her backyard? Food shelves are “bare”? You completely negate any argument you have (although you don’t have one) when you exaggerate to such an extent. Ridiculous!

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  • August 16, 2012 at 11:03 pm
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    The Northaven Trail is the best thing that has happened with that property! I grew up in that area and it always looked so awful! I love walking on the trail and seeing fellow North Dallas neighbors!
    And Debbie Newman, if you have problems with Jews, or anyone for that matter, WHY did you buy a house in a neighborhood..,,,,,and especially in North Dallas where so many of us live? You can leave anytime. We’re not going anywhere!

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  • August 17, 2012 at 8:22 am
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    Im pretty sure this wasn’t the response Debbie expected.

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  • August 17, 2012 at 9:36 am
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    I’m always deeply offended by high pitched beeping noises. I can see where she’s coming from on one hand, and on the other, I don’t care that food shelves are bare. My family is a little overweight anyway.

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  • August 17, 2012 at 11:14 am
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    Although seemingly extremely harsh, I agree with most of the comments here, although hopefully with a little more understanding. Was there a zoning change that took place to allow the trailhead to go in? If not, I can’t see what to complain about. If there was a change, it’s the responsibility of her and her neighbors to voice their opposition BEFORE it goes through. Did any of her neighbors say they were opposed? If so, she didn’t mention it.

    If the city approved a zoning change against the overwhelming majority of the people near the change, then I’m entirely sympathetic. However, at best it seems like she blew off the notification(s) she got about it.

    I think that kind of apathy until after the fact is what garnered the harsh comments on this board (although I think you are going pretty far to call her statements anti-semantic).

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  • August 17, 2012 at 11:45 am
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    Anti-semantic??

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  • August 17, 2012 at 11:41 pm
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    Doh! Sorry about that (although it’s kind of funny to read!). Anti-semitic.

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  • August 20, 2012 at 9:34 am
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    @CW, @J, and others – wow, quite a leap on the antisemitism! I label you race/religion-baiting hatemongers.

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