To the editor:

The good news is that Farmland is selling the chemical plant out on K-10. The bad news is that the chamber of commerce’s first response is to look for ANOTHER chemical company to take over. One would think that after 50 years of abuse to the ground, pollution of the community, smog (oh, “fog”) on the highway and threats of explosion that the chamber might possibly have suggested the plant site be removed?

I would further imagine that with all the efforts to turn K-10 into a “high-tech” corridor that the rusting, dangerous Farmland plant is not a fitting “doorway” to Lawrence. Does anyone seriously question what would happen if this plant stood at Sixth and Wakarusa? Re-use by another chemical company? I think not. It would be torn down in a nanosecond!

By the way, I have met some of the hardworking ex-employees from Farmland, put out of work by the corporate naysayers, and believe me the existing mess out on K-10 has nothing to do with them. They are part of the honorable foundation of our community.

However, it does seem to me that the same mindset surrounding the SLT is involved here. Let’s find a quick, temporary solution and do something NOW. Let’s not think about the future, let’s not think about alternatives, let’s not think long-term about what is best for the community. Let’s just get it done!

What a crock!

Come on chamber you can do better than that.

Jim McCrary,

Lawrence