Letter to the editor: July 17

Concerns about Schnipke Inn renovation I am writing to say I am glad to hear about the two buildings being renovated in Ottawa. We have been here for 36 years and have worked — and are still working — in Ottawa. I keep most of my business in Putnam County. For many years, I have said that I wished Schnipke Inn would be turned back into a hotel because when family comes from out of state, they stay in Findlay, which just happened a week ago. I support it wholly. What I don't support and have not since last October are the boxes on that street, and I know others have complained about the parking places being blocked, especially at Christmas for the candy store, beauty shop, those that live above the buildings and those around the corner. The one handicap parking space is blocked and is too small for a van dropping off a handicapped person. I know it has been brought up at many council meetings only to fall on deaf ears. I have also seen the intersection blocked by delivery trucks or big pickups trying to turn into or out of that street, especially when other vehicles are also coming and going. If the Schnipke building is turned into offices, where are people who are handicapped or just have trouble walking going to park across the street and have to navigate crossing if they are aged? The handicap ramp to Schnipke Inn building is right there on the street. It was lucky Ottawa did not receive much snow this winter or that would have been a mess. Also, have you considered what would happen if fire trucks and ambulances needed to be in that block? They are hindered from getting down that area. On June 19, on the way in, I saw construction trucks already in that street for the renovations to Schnipke Inn, and since the boxes blocked the street, the trucks were blocking the other open parking spaces, even in front of homes. Why are these boxes not in the street next to the REX where there are no entrances to offices and businesses? That's where they should be. I am not alone in this concern. I have talked to many people who are also upset, some just this last week. Please remove those things for everyone's safety. Beverly Carr Ottawa