To the editor:

In response to Sept. 2 Saturday Column regarding strengthening downtown versus protecting it: Mr. Simons seems all too eager to destroy that which many, if not most, Lawrencians hold very dear, that being the “historical ambiance” of our downtown.

Does he really think people will be eager to come from near and far to visit a downtown Lawrence that reminds them of every other conglomeration of “major retail businesses” that can be seen in every city all across the country? He evidently realizes that our downtown is the entertainment area of the city then laments that it is dominated by bars and restaurants with smaller boutique-type businesses filling in. If retail of “significant size” is not allowed to move in then, horror of horrors, more restaurants and specialty shops will move in. Well, hooray! Hooray!

What makes Lawrence special is the uniqueness of its downtown area. Give it the same blandness that can be found anywhere and everywhere, and why would people want to visit? Already the area has been compromised with what Mr. Simons calls “a handsome condominium project'” which is totally out of place in its current location. A restored old building would at least have some character.

You can fill downtown Lawrence with the same numbing blandness of national chain stores and franchise restaurants, but why would anyone come here for that? May as well go to Topeka.

Richard Yadon,

Lawrence