To the editor:

Loss of industry and the associated jobs is always tough on a community; however, the discontinuance of nitrogen production at the local Farmland Industries plant is time appropriate for the Lawrence community. Population growth in Lawrence has not all been to the west. Southeast Lawrence has been a rapidly growing residential area and the housing that has provided has been greatly needed in the Lawrence market. Heavy chemical manufacturing at that site is detrimental to surrounding development. Serving on the Farmland Citizens Advisory Panel, I know that Farmland was attempting to be a good citizen to its neighbors, but there is limited mitigation that heavy manufacturing can provide.

If the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce wishes to serve the community, let’s be sure that this marketing opportunity is to the benefit of an expanding residential population.

William D. Myers,

Lawrence