The Dorothy Park project ["Neighbors try to save trees," Oct. 7] is billed as a "stream restoration" project.

But it does have a flood control component.

Any degree of slowing the water benefits those of us living downstream including our neighbors on Pamlico Drive.

Flowing water is slowed both by a meandering channel and growing plants that absorb stream energy.

We can't change what's been built upstream of us.

Nor should we deny the fact that parks like Dorothy, though pleasant to look at with lawn growing right down to the stream, are not efficient components of an ecosystem.

An efficient system is stratified, or layered with different height vegetation.

Without this project, flooding on Pamlico will continue.

Erosion will potentially get worse.

A swollen creek could again cross Union Street and flood my yard or home.

This restoration project is good science.

It is different than what we've known and, yes, some trees have to come out.

No one likes change, but change happens. It's a part of life. It would be a shame to waste the opportunity to update this park because of fear of change.

It could be a true showcase of ecological forward-thinking that would bring praise from far and wide.

Imagine what that could do for property values.

Don Thomas Cary

The author is an earth science teacher at Cary High School.

Where red lights turn to blue lights

I have received a fine for running a red light while turning off of Walnut Street into Crossroads shopping center. This is the second time this light has caught my family.

If you are going the speed limit and the light turns yellow, there is hardly enough time to stop before it turns red. This seems grossly unfair and I wonder how many other people have been caught.

It would be in the interest of all, especially those who are older and slower to respond, to give us more time to react.

Melanie Williams Cary

'Thank you, White Tiger'

My daughter began taking taekwondo at White Tiger in Cary in 2005. I envisioned it as a way for her to get exercise, have fun and learn to appreciate the ways of another culture. I never expected her to have achieved the things she has today. Kimberly is now in 5th grade, a second-degree black belt in taekwondo, and both of us are now going to be testing for our first-degree black belt in hapkido.

As my daughter matures, I feel that even though she may divert her attention to other activities. I hope that she keeps with her the self-confidence she has gained from this journey, and will apply that to situations she may face as she grows up.

Hopefully she will make the right decisions, when others may not have the fortitude to stand up for what is right.

Thank you, White Tiger, for giving me that gift.

Jodi Schuh Apex

C-Tran is a useful service

Regarding "Light rail heavy on cost," [Your Letters, Oct. 3]: I have lived in Cary since 1987, and have seen the huge population growth that has made this thriving community a great place to live.

The expansion has brought a broader range of services. C-Tran is a service that we all can use, and as a disabled citizen of Cary I'm thankful it continues to operate whether or not as a "free" ride. C-Tran is a progressive town service and not a step backward, but a leap into the future.

Grant Boettcher Cary

Council hurt home sales

We left Cary more than a year ago. Yet our home is vacant, waiting for a buyer.

The real estate agents tell us the biggest problem in Cary is too much inventory, especially new homes and not enough buyers.

Perhaps if the town Council had been more diligent in their jobs -- and looked out for existing taxpayers, instead of developers, things would be different.

How many homes in your neighborhoods are for sale or vacant?

Mike Dodson Semora