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Letters to the Editor
November 3, 2008
Crowder-Gulf, the contractor responsible for debris pickup in the unincorporated parts of Galveston County, ceased cleanup in most areas Oct. 26.
What’s Going On With The Debris Removal In San Leon?
In response to the debris removal in San Leon: Recent reports stated debris removal by county hired contractor, Crowder Gulf, would cease Oct. 26. Many residents, myself included, couldn’t remove anything until insurance and FEMA adjusters inspected the property.
In our case, extensive inspections were conducted during the course of the last month due to damage sustained. We had five inspectors and adjusters making detailed reports, which takes time. We were given the all clear to begin removing and cleaning up our property just two weeks ago. We still haven’t received compensation from our insurance company to help cover the costs of cleanup, which makes it even more difficult to clean.
Actually, debris hasn’t been picked up on my property by Crowder Gulf at all, even before the deadline. This is why it surprises me that cleanup has ceased.
In a community of more than 1,800 homes, I am doubtful I am the only one in this position. Do you know why Crowder Gulf stopped debris removal? Is the county receiving federal funds for clean up? If so, I don’t feel the proper efforts with the disbursement of these funds is being made.
Hailey Zuma
San Leon
The two- to four-hour wait for building permits is frustrating Galveston residents anxious to rebuild and repair the damage from Hurricane Ike, but the city says it can’t go faster.
Why Do We Need A Permit For Sheetrock?
Building permits ... why? We live in a town where just about every house has the same needs: Sheetrock, cabinets, doors, etc. It’s insane you need to pull a permit to hang Sheetrock, put in a new door or window.
Why do we need the city to approve anything other than adding square footage? Many of us are paying a mortgage and rent until we can get back home. Waiting for building permits is delaying the rebuilding process or forcing many to just leave their homes and move — it’s not worth the hassle.
If this continues, the city of Galveston is going to lose. Who can afford to take off work and stand in line for hours to get a permit to hang Sheetrock? Think about it. Whose home is it? Who’s paying the mortgage, taxes and insurance? Wave the general permit and let us rebuild our homes.
Mari Koch
Galveston
Planning Department Is Just Going By The Guidelines
The Galveston Planning Department is full of wonderful people. Ike has displaced us off the island, so I understand the red tape everyone is going through. But the people working in the planning department aren’t responsible for Hurricane Ike — they are working in an incredible difficult situation.
They must follow certain guidelines to qualify for flood insurance, for example. That’s just one item — I’m sure the list post-Ike is very long.
Every time my husband and I have worked with the Galveston Planning Department, the people there have been helpful and welcoming. We sometimes do renovations, and whenever we’ve had to go to the department, it’s been fun to see the great people there.
Amy Ponomarev
Galveston
Why Is It Taking So Long To Get An Inspection?
I have replaced all of my meter cans and breakers that were underwater as per city requirement. The work was completed Oct. 18, and now my building is still shut down because I cannot get the work inspected.
I have four storefronts that employ around 15 people (still out of work) and eight lofts that house around 20 people (that still have no homes). What’s wrong with this picture?
I paid $50,000 in property taxes last year. Why then, after completing the requirements, can’t I get an inspection and get some power, so I can complete my work and the tenants can have their homes and jobs back — and most of all get The Strand up and running again?
Jan J. Player
Galveston
Club owner and west Texas City-La Marque community activist Alfred “Fats” Gary died. He was 66.
Everyone Could Count On Gary
My heart was saddened at the news of Alfred “Fats” Gary’s death (“Club owner, community activist ‘Fats’ Gary dies,” The Daily News, Oct. 28). Fats was a leader and an icon in the community. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for the children or people in the community.
I came to him many times to ask for his help for the children of the community, and he never turned me down. He was a person you could go to and ask anything. His wisdom was astounding. He always stood for what was right. I always knew that Fats had my back.
There were many times he would question my political affiliation, but never put me down or allowed anyone else to put me down. Yet he understood where I was coming from. When we fought the battle of single-member districts, and MLK’s birthday as a holiday in the city of La Marque, Fats was there for me. When we fought the battle of better schools, administrators, teacher salaries, better education, and much more, Fats was there for us.
God Bless you, my friend, as you sleep with the angels. I will miss you.
Geraldine Sam
La Marque
How Can You Bill For Nonexistent Power?
What is wrong with Entergy? I just received a bill from Entergy for a property I own in Crystal Beach. The bill showed that I had zero kilowatt usage (as power has been out since Hurricane Ike), yet company officials estimated my usage and billed me for $178.
They have also threatened to cut off power to a second property I own because they estimated a ridiculous amount, and I have not paid it. How are they going to cut off power when power hasn’t been restored? This company is out of control.
John Nelson
Seabrook
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