Letters to the editor
Wilmington Star-News, February 17, 2006

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Stop destroying our own history
EDITOR: In reference to the proposal to turn the historic Wilmington Iron Works building into high-rise condominiums, I suggest it is time for the city and its inhabitants to demand a stop to the destruction of our buildings and our heritage.

The Wilmington Iron Works building dates from the 1870s and is an integral part of the waterfront and Riverwalk. In the 19th century, it was used for the sale of naval stores, one of our largest industries, and it should be allowed to exist as the structure it is.

Let’s keep the integrity of the buildings we have and be careful in accepting developers’ notions of architecture that is not in keeping with our existing architecture.

Don’t let the Wilmington Iron Works building go the route of the Ice House, Babies Hospital, and the great loss we had during Urban Removal.

J. Robert Warren
Wilmington

EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer has long been active in preservation efforts.

Joni’s warning
EDITOR: (In reference to the plan to put more traffic on Front Street), my question to the Wilmington City Council is, why would you spend all the time, inconvenience and tax money to fix something that is not broken?

Are you familiar with the (song lyrics), “They paved paradise to put up a parking lot”?

Frances Brittain
Wilmington

Flip it
EDITOR: All that we need to do is change the direction of Front Street traffic, one way to the south.

This will accommodate the anticipated vehicles coming from the north. Some requirements would include: relocating nine parking meters and re-lining 84 existing angle spaces.

Re-position the Grace, Chestnut and Princess Street traffic lights to the south of the intersections, add a new light at Market and they will remain on the existing controllers. Add parking signs at each intersection directing drivers to the three parking buildings on Second Street.

Relocate existing signage from east to west at each intersection. With some preparation, all could change on a Sunday, when the CFCC and the businesses are closed and crews are available.

I’m sure we could complete this project with local talent and no out-of-state consulting team. Low cost, easy to achieve. Why not?

Bob Wallen
Wilmington

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