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Letter to the editor

Todays Letters: Downtown needs reason to go there

I ventured into the land of Scientology to see what the Clearwater City Council had wrought upon the taxpayers of Clearwater with the new Cleveland Street. And I was prepared hate it; instead, I liked it. The city has created a very pleasant walking street.

If there was something to do there, I would not hesitate to return. And that is the reason for this letter. I noticed that the ancient little theater at the end of the street is for sale. While the asking price might be ridiculous at this moment, I feel it is necessary that the city purchase this theater at some point in time. The theater could be a good draw for the downtown if it were run properly. I wouldn't want to see it fall into the hands of a certain religious group that currently is dominating the landscape.

What would the city do with such a theater? It could consider holding a Shakespearean festival during the hot summer months. The city could rent it, say for a dollar a year, to a small but talented theater troupe to do experimental productions. The city could have foreign film festivals. The list goes on and on.

The downtown needs a draw. The theater is one of the last vestiges of historic Clearwater. If the city doesn't have the money, sell the world's largest cinder block (the Harborview Center) to a developer.

Phil Marmanillo,Clearwater

Re: Are you ready for a brand new street? photograph, Dec. 14

Cleveland Street is a perilous drive

For all of those who think that the photograph of the newly renovated Cleveland Street resembles a hodgepodge, I suggest taking a ride along the street in order to get a firsthand and close-up look.

Personally, I'm grateful that the street is not part of my daily commute. Thank you very much, but one drive-through was enough and actually one too many for me. In my opinion, the street is way too narrow, thereby making it one genuine hazardous nightmare for drivers. And all to the tune of $10-million.

JoAnn Lee Frank,Clearwater

Re: TV star to help out at ribbon-cutting story, Dec. 13

City caves in to Scientologists

It is appropriate that Catherine Bell, a Scientologist, is helping to open Clearwater's Cleveland Street makeover, since the cult will be the one to benefit most.

What kind of a message is Mayor Frank Hibbard sending to the people of Clearwater? Here is a downtown street makeover, opened with the help of a Scientologist.

Clearwater should be proud of its leaders.

David Rodman, Dunedin

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified December 27, 2007, 21:34:29]