Glad Lovett is back

I was pleased to see coverage of the renovations of Lovett Library in a recent article in the Local [“Chestnut Hill Library not likely to follow the renovation trend,” Aug. 20]. Lovett Writers, a writing group that has been meeting weekly at Lovett for over fifteen years, was thankful and appreciative first of the Chestnut Hill Business Association and then of the Chestnut Hill Library for being willing to host us while Lovett was closed.  Now, we are delighted to be back in our home library.

The new, improved library is a welcoming, well-lit, cheery space. The low shelves allow light to flow through the building.  There is a very soft hum in the air with adults and kids sitting at computers, looking at books or sharing information, making full use of the spaces available.

The librarians are helpful and gracious. Those of us who are disabled are pleased with the easy accommodations, the elevator and even the new bathrooms. Thanks to Marsha Stedler and her staff for making Lovett such a wonderful space, once again, for Lovett Writers, and, I assume, for other neighbors and fans of Lovett Library.

Barbara Bloom

Chestnut Hill

Unsung Republicans

I read the article about Chestnut Hill Republicans in the August 30th edition of The Local with great interest. [“Hill Republicans miss moderation, think local party is on right track.”]

While the Hill is overwhelmingly Democrat, it is also the refuge of an endangered species: The Rockefeller Republican.

There are many Republicans from the Hill who are the unsung heroes of charitable foundations throughout the Northwest and in the City.  It's important to remember that.  It's a contribution often dismissed.

So, when there is hue and cry amongst Hillers about National politics, let's continue to remember what's different here.

Philadelphia could well benefit from a viable two-party system.  It's like having a two-newspaper town.  It keeps everyone on their toes.

Many will raise hue and cry.  Many will say "The GOP is now the Trump Party."

And that may well be true.  Perhaps we, as Hillers, Philadelphians, Pennsylvanians, and Americans need to consider how we let this happen.

Thomas J. Shoener

Chestnut Hill

CHCA Board a rubber stamp?

What is the purpose of the CHCA Board? It seems to be to just rubber stamp any project wanted by the developers, no matter the effect on the neighborhood, property values, the interests of near neighbors and the will of the community that they are supposed to serve.

All those dissatisfied with the rubber-stamping board should start now to enroll all your friends as CHCA members and to elect people who will actually act on behalf of members of the community. Or perhaps we should all find out where the developers live and build an apartment complex with no parking spaces in a nearby lot?

Darlene Davis

Chestnut Hill