To the editor:

I am a fourth generation Lawrencian, and I am sorry to say, I will not be able to afford living and will not care to live in this town after retirement. Downtown has turned into bars where me and Mom used to go shopping and had quality time together and would stop for a soda at the Rexall Drug Store, which is no longer in existence.

It was difficult for me to own a home; I was finally able to do so at 35 and bought it for $24,000. I feel sorry for the youth of today. There will be no way they will be able to own their own home. My brother retired and moved to Arkansas to a lovely brick, three-bedroom, two baths, attached two-car garage home for way under $100,000. I miss seeing him as often, but I know he’s not having to pay out the nose for a house and can live on his retirement.

Betty L. Howe,

Lawrence