To the editor:

It is great to see a discussion starting around the issue of the proposed industrial park north of Lawrence. I had been surprised because there have been so many letters concerning Wal-Mart while a development of much greater impact, both financially and environmentally, seemed to move under the radar.

I am sure it is exciting to gamble, but can we afford to do it with tax money? Do we know the cost of the infrastructure, including flood control that this development will require? How much more will the acres of rooftops and cement add to the $41 million estimated for current needs?

Of course, we might be lucky and this development could fill up immediately with businesses that will pay high wages and taxes. It could happen, but what are the odds? The vacant buildings available now might give us a clue.

One thing we do know is that nobody is making new farm ground. Will our children and grandchildren reproach us for giving away something that can never be replaced?

Ellen Paulsen,

Lawrence