To the editor:

I feel compelled to respond to the article that appeared in Sunday’s paper titled “Design changes earn support from both neighbors and investors.” The article reported on the general meeting of the Oread Neighborhood Assn. and with the architect representing the developers of the proposed high rise project at the corner of Indiana and 12th streets.

The general tone of the article would indicate that there was general acceptance on the part of the neighbors to a five-story building being constructed on that corner. Nothing could be further from the truth. It simply meant that a shorter building than the one originally proposed by the developer received general acceptance.

When I was quoted in the article as saying that I was pleased by Jeff Morrow’s efforts, I meant that I was pleased that he demonstrated an effort to educate himself about the historic neighborhood and its defining features, that he was willing to exercise some creative effort, and that he was willing to discuss development issues with the people who are directly and irreversibly affected by his development plans: his neighbors.

Mr. Morrow’s proposal included enlarging the outdoor drinking deck in front of The Crossing by extending it west to Indiana Street, thus increasing its size by 800 percent. He also proposed an outdoor open beer garden or bar on the fifth floor rooftop. These kinds of “pie in the sky” ideas are an absurdity and are absolutely an encroachment that will damage or destroy the historical character of the Hancock Historic District and of the Snow House.

Carol von Tersch,

Lawrence