Bar problem

To the editor:

It should come as no surprise that bars have taken over downtown Lawrence.

Downtown bars are the primary destination for students , who comprise 90 percent of the population in central Lawrence, from which most families and schools have been eliminated because of a flawed single-family zoning ordinance that, unless changed, will continue to worsen.

Many small businesses struggle downtown for many reasons, including exorbitant rents, taxes and lack of business from families who once lived in this area. Downtown businesses must generate high profits and/or have “deep pockets.”

Congratulations to Commissioners Schauner and Highberger for recognizing this “problem”! The commission and chamber of commerce now need to cooperate for a solution.

Bob Blank,

Lawrence