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Editors note. The following is in response to a letter published in the August 5 Buckeye Farm News.

Dear Editor:

I recently read an article in Buckeye Farm News written by Lisa Coles of "Citizens for the Protection of Property Rights" in Erie County. She stated that the Erie MetroPark Board of Commissioners are irresponsible, unbelievable corruption, above the law, arrogant, misuse of tax dollars and eminent domain happy who wanted to take their backyards and farm fields. Not one soybean or corn stalk is being taken for the development of a greenway on an old railroad bed.

These statements are misleading and inaccurate. There are public records available that indicate quite the contrary. The writer does not own the property. In 1998 an Erie County Court of Common Pleas Case specifically states as a matter of law that the .8 acre parcel is specifically excepted from the property conveyed to the writer that they are NOT the owners.

In another case, the same court affirmed MetroParks legality and propriety in its occupation and development of the greenway. Here is the judge’s actual language: "The Court therefore rules that Erie MetroParks is entitled to the sole occupancy and use of the Leased Property; the Lease (from the railroad property) permits the Erie MetroParks to improve and use the Leased Property as a parkway and/or recreational trail and purposes incidental and/or related thereto."

It's legally leased (no eminent domain) and being developed by Erie MetroParks and soon will be used by hundreds of Erie County citizens including the adjacent landowners, who are cordially invited to use the unique, pristine natural beauty of the Huron River valley with the rest of us.

Do we live by the law or do we let selfish emotions determine the fate of our society? Doesn't the public also have property rights? This indicates how abusive some people may get in order to mislead the public. I hold people and organizations accountable for their irresponsible actions.

Sincerely,

Monroeville