To the editor:

I thank Commissioner Lance Johnson for starting the conversation “rethinking downtown.” I agree with the idea expressed by businessman Dan Hughes that the city needs to focus on the fundamentals such as keeping the downtown area clean. A little civic pride by certain Lawrence business owners would go a long way, particularly in the 1000 block of Massachusetts, where bar owners could do a much better job of picking up after their late-night patrons.

Just as importantly, the owner of Allen Press could show some civic pride by repairing its crumbling facade along the east side of the street and the owner of the Masonic Temple could remove the dilapidated siding at the front entrance to the majestic building.

George Paley’s idea of stopping downtown traffic one night each month is a great one. The “Get Downtown” celebration, the Wilco concert, bicycle races, vintage movie screenings and various parades all bring us together as a community and can bring much-needed revenue to downtown businesses if they extend their store hours on these festive occasions.

A final idea would be for our city leaders to devise a way to make North Lawrence and the parks and trails along the Kansas River more accessible to downtown Lawrence. I picture a pedestrian bridge at Sixth and Tennessee (decorated with artwork by our great young local artists at VanGo) connecting Watson Park with Constant Park and thereby connecting downtown Lawrence with the river, the Gaslight, Johnny’s Tavern and the Mexican cafes and antique shops along Locust Street.