The Mansion operates in accordance with laws

In response to the April 18 editorial “Dueling Neighbors”: The Mansion at Maple Heights is a licensed B&B. This license gives the holder the ability to do certain things with the property as outlined in the Pittsburgh Zoning Code.

Ordinance 911.04.A.7 states “(e) Wherein limited social and business functions may occur provided that: (1) The hours be limited no later than 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday for bed and breakfasts (General). No bed and breakfast shall host more than two scheduled social or business functions per week.”

The zoning board decided to revoke my occupancy permit for a tent on my property. The reasons it listed are unfounded. It claimed we had 150 guests per event between 2010 and 2012. Here is what the evidence said:

2010: 38 events, average 91 guests. 2011: 27 events, average 82 guests. 2012: 32 events, average 95 guests.

It also cited the amount of money generated by the events as a reason for taking the certificate of occupancy away. Pennsylvania Supreme Court case law established a precedent in this matter. In 1998 in the case Southco Inc. v. Concord Township, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court states, “However, for purposes of zoning, the manner in which an establishment derives its income is not determinative of the establishment’s principal use.”

Following are the number of days The Mansion did not host events: In 2010, 253 of 365 days, B&B guests with no events (69 percent); 2011, 266 days (73 percent). In 2012, 284 days (78 percent).

The Mansion has never received any traffic, noise or criminal citations. It pays $1,500 per event for off-site parking and has police present at every event.

The Mansion has tent permits for every event that we have planned for 2015.

I’m going to keep following the laws of this great city.

CHUKKY OKOBI President and Owner The Mansion at Maple Heights

Shadyside

Cullen and ‘4802’

Being neither Democrat nor Republican, but independent, and neither Protestant, Catholic nor Jewish, but instead a thorough believer in Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote, “I spell [God] Nature,” I offer no disrespect to Lynn Cullen or Heather Heidelbaugh (“Cullen Leaving WQED ‘4802’ Panel,” April 22), but would like to make one comment that has crossed my mind while enjoying “4802” in the two years that I have watched it.

I do not believe that Ms. Heidelbaugh understands Ms. Cullen’s full meanings at times. Instead she lashes out without comprehending the subtleties and breadth of ideas Ms. Cullen is capable of expressing, and which to me are so often thought-provoking and correct.

Please, Ms. Cullen, won’t you reconsider returning to “4802”? Our family will greatly miss your vivacity and perspicacity! JANE WYGAL

Adams

Strong viewpoints

What makes “4802,” a weekend perspectives show by WQED most interesting is the profound difference of views of its outspoken panelists. It allows us, the viewers, to agree, disagree or possibly change our minds as to how we see the ubiquitous flow of news week in and week out.

What tilted the balance lately, and what came to a head that Friday evening (“Cullen Leaving WQED ‘4802’ Panel,” April 22), was not the obvious difference in political views but rather the length of time Lynn Cullen took to explain hers. It was testing the patience of her viewers and definitely cracked the usually cool and succinct Heather Heidelbaugh. Who, you might ask, is the hot-headed now? SUSANNA FUSSENEGGER

Harmar

Done in by bagpipes

Regarding a recent request to rename Grant Street, I submit the following:

With the early rays of dawn at our backs we sneaked down the valley of the Monongahela River and came upon the high point overlooking the sleeping Fort Duquesne. We had reached our goal totally undetected by the enemy French and Indians. Then our glorious leader Major James Grant commanded our musician to “crank up the bagpipes” announcing our heretofore secret movement to three river valleys and a goodly portion of what would become Allegheny County.

Upon this screeching the fort came alive and the screaming red men streamed out like angry bees. We were doomed, many losing their lives and their heads to be impaled on those sharp poles to rot in the sun for months.

Nay. Do not change the name of this flower and tree bedecked boulevard. Let it remain a reminder to present and future generations of the winner of the 18th-century’s Biggest DumDum Award. With my apologies to his descendants, if any. I remain: Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant WALLACE E. COVERT

Penn Hills