This is a response to Kevin Sheridan's letter of Feb. 27.

Fairview Heights approved funds to remove a blighted building the car wash was buying, with stipulations that have not been met to date, so no funds have been dispersed. The Summit Springs TIF was part of a court-ordered settlement, not the city's idea.

As for the west end of the city, Sheridan's accusations couldn't be more wrong. Allow me to name a few of the projects that have taken place.

Kassing Drive and Pontiac Road have new streets, curbs and gutters. Third Avenue currently is receiving the same upgrade. One hundred twenty homes have already received sewers and 300 more homes are in the process of getting sewers from Caseyville Township with assistance from the city, all on the west end.

Alderman Norm Miller's priority has always been the French Village area. Additionally, Alderwomen Pat Baeske and Sandy Baldwin have supported every west end project, along with Alderman Josh Frawley and the mayor. Check the records.

Also, Miller was instrumental in securing for the French Village neighborhood a new TRACER program developed by Police Chief Nick Gailius. It is a program that targets specific areas where crime is developing. It has been a huge success. Just ask the residents.

By the way, Sheridan should check to see whether Grant School District 110 is still legally trying to keep the city residents' homes out of its schools before he tries to involve the city's elected officials.

Bev Mattison

Fairview Heights