Citizens Oak Ridge

Letters to the Editor

Goal for Oak Ridge: lively city center

5/30/2007

To the Editor:

Well, it's time to vote in the city election, which includes a yes-or-no vote on the Crestpointe bond issue. By now, you have certainly heard the "rosy scenario" forecasts for Crestpointe, which seem to be based more on a hope than on market analysis. You've seen the many signs around town, and the giant billboards in Solway. Before you cast your vote, please ask yourself the following questions:

Do I really want to bail out a failed development? Do I really want to divert business away from downtown? Do I really want to provide a subsidy to out-of-town speculators, rather than have them assume the risk that goes along with the profits they hope to make? Do I really want to increase the city's debt and deplete the city's reserve fund, jeopardizing its credit rating if future borrowing is truly needed? Do I really want to jump with both feet into Crestpointe before we understand the alternatives for retail in Oak Ridge?

If you're thinking "No!" to some or all of these questions, then also think "No!" when you vote on the bond referendum.

Several years ago, Oak Ridge adopted a worthy plan for the center of town as a place to shop, enjoy cultural events, and meet neighbors. I looked forward to being able to walk around downtown with an ice-cream cone in hand, window-shop, sit on a bench, and talk to other people. It pains me to think that some of our city officials, who otherwise do such a fine job for us, are so willing to act as shills for every developer who comes along with a scheme, whether or not it’s consistent with the long-term goal of having a lively city center or will push the retail activity toward the outskirts of town.

If you also would like to keep our eyes on the prize of maintaining Oak Ridge as a nice place to live, vote No! on the bond referendum.

Robert Cushman

Oak Ridge

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