In the past, NASA sent astronauts here to
simulate moon landings. Our landscape was rocky and devoid of
vegetation. I congratulate everyone involved in turning that
bleak landscape into a lush environment.
However, I am concerned that scientists will
may be again be focusing on Sudbury to simulate Ground Zero
after the detonation of a nuclear device.
I was appalled to see the architectural
wonder, the Odeon Theatres, was being levelled to make room for
another parking lot.
Maybe I don't see the big picture, but our
city's downtown has been on life support for many years, and
levelling another building to make way for unnecessary
parking-there's lots of parking in the downtown area-seems
ludicrous.
Parking is no longer the issue. Yes, you have
to pay for parking in some spots, on some days. But if you
think you are not paying for parking at the shopping Ccentres,
you're dreaming. Parking costs are added to costs of your
purchases. And as for convenience, on busy weekends, I pack a
lunch for the walk from my parking spot to a mall
entrance.
Yet, I still shop at shopping centre. Why?
Our downtown has turned into a cesspool. I apologize in advance
to those few business owners who go the extra mile to ensure a
clean and inviting location. However I am afraid those
exceptions are outnumbered.
One of the worst parts of our downtown is one
of the newest developments, the maze that is Tim Hortons and
the Liquor Store. How city planning could allow such a design
is beyond me. This has become the local hangout, and at times
exudes a circus-like atmosphere.
The time for talk is over. It's time to do
something positive downtown before it's too late. Maybe
re-thinking the casino for the Rainbow Outlet Mall is in order;
or perhaps offering better incentives to big box retailers to
locate downtown.
Norm Udeschini
Sudbury