To the editor:

I was pleased to read Riggs Skepnek’s letter which mirrored my feelings about having a community that is walkable and livable as opposed to one that is overtaken by cars. Parking lots and strip malls don’t make a town more attractive. What does are green spaces like parks and trails, trees, flowers, fountains, pathways, gathering places and historic structures.

I have noticed over the years that KU, in particular, is overly eager to tear down old buildings and replace them with nondescript larger structures, to leave the space empty or cover it with asphalt. Oliver Hall, for instance, is where I spent my freshman year at KU. Why was it torn down when housing is at a premium in Lawrence? Old buildings should be restored and reused whenever economically possible. The old KU Bookstore and McLain’s are now gone. I wonder which buildings will be next: old Watkins Hospital or other historic buildings on campus?

Karen Troutman’s letter reinforced how I’ve felt for years: Lawrence is unfortunately becoming a part of KC’s suburban sprawl. Housing developments on both sides of town are bleeding into the countryside. Our open spaces, grasslands and farmland are disappearing. The county even chopped down mature trees by the courthouse. It shouldn’t have happened.

Please don’t tear down this greenhouse to put in a parking lot that will only serve cars a distance away from any destination. It makes no sense. Create a nature learning center or an actual nursery again.

Leslie J. Mills,

Lawrence