To the editor:

I read the Aug. 4 Journal-World regarding “City slowdown.” Why the despair and panic? We can’t have a beautiful, productive community without a big population growth every year?

The last 12-15 years I’ve noticed with the population boom an increase in noise, pollution and traffic congestion, in addition to the increase in crime. Another thing most obvious for me in the last 12-15 years has been the increase in my property value and property taxes. Each year, when I call the courthouse to inquire why my property value increased, I am informed about houses recently sold in my neighborhood for some absurd price and therefore my house must be undervalued; same story every year.

I investigated some of these houses alluded to and discovered to my dismay the only similarities were that they were indeed houses and they were in my neighborhood and that was about all. On the other hand perhaps the property taxes may be why many people are avoiding living in Lawrence.

I still believe quality of life remains the most important element in deciding which city to live in and that has nothing to do with population growth every year!

Craig Tucker,

Lawrence