The controversial Ohio street properties need to be removed or razed and replaced as soon as possible.

The three properties in the 1300 block of Ohio Street, points of controversy for months, amount to dilapidated, infested, rotting slum-like dwellings which should be torn down. They would be replaced, under a plan afoot, by topflight dwelling units for Kansas University students.

If the three units were as viable for renovation and updating as some contend, they would have been treated that way a long time before now. Nobody has indicated a willingness to touch them because of the expense and unlikelihood they can be salvaged. There is talk about moving them to some other sites. It is doubtful anyone will spend the kind of money that would take to make these eyesores viable property, but if someone wants to do it, fine.

We get regular comments about how these rundown buildings are somehow “historically oriented” and that some allegedly sacred treasures would be destroyed with replacement by dormitories being planned. How in the world can anyone seriously connect these three units and the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house to the southeast, and across 14th Street, and declare there is deep and abiding history involved? The Beta-Ohio connection has been used in that context. It makes no sense.

We hear from opponents of the razing and replacement program that Kansas University, which owns the properties, is not acting in good faith and has not been a good neighbor. The fact is that KU has done everything within reason to deal with the matter.

KU and Lawrence would be far better off if the Ohio Street units were torn down as soon as possible and work could begin on the safer, cleaner, better-looking and extremely valuable student dwelling facilities. Anyone wondering what might happen need look no farther than the Amini dwelling facility to the north.

Can anyone view the Amini unit and then survey the three questionable Ohio Street properties and believe things would not be greatly improved?

Opponents want KU to locate the new scholarship halls on sites considerably removed from those in the 1300 block of Ohio Street. What is being overlooked is that these prime locations are ideal for scholarship students who might not have automobiles and need easy access to the campus area. It would be difficult to cite a more convenient location.

The final decision on the venture apparently has been made by Gov. Bill Graves. His office has given KU permission to move ahead on the replacements. Nothing new was provided by anyone in recent “hearings” and through pro and con mailings. The governor did well to decide in favor of the university and give the go-ahead for the razing of the old properties and the start on good replacements.

There is little of historical value to be gained by continued bickering over what amounts to slum property in the block in question. If someone has the money to remove and renovate the property, let them do it. Otherwise, let’s clean up the area and install some usable and attractive replacements.