I’m writing in response to Carl Kumm’s letter on the location of the sports arena (“Sports arena: Location impractical and adds congestion,” Nov. 20). I believe the spot chosen by Everett is perfect. The point of the arena is to bring money into the city. Putting the arena next to the new train station will only negate the whole point of the arena. Granted, the location will bring traffic congestion but it will also bring business to the area restaurants and shops. If the people have to drive through Everett, they will be more likely to eat and shop at Everett on their way home. Putting the arena by the train station will make it so the people can come and go without ever stepping foot in downtown. Yes, a few historical buildings will be demolished, but those buildings aren’t helping downtown Everett survive.
Take a look at the downtown area. It used to be full of shops and restaurants. Now it’s mostly city buildings and banks. Bars, adult video shops and pawn shops are the only attractions nowadays. All my life in Everett, I’ve seen the city make some really stupid decisions. Most of those decisions are what made the downtown area what it is today. Now, for once, I see the city making a smart move. They have actually thought it through this time, instead of doing things blindly. This arena is the only way I see to bring downtown back to what it used to be.
Ousted businesses can find new buildings, history can live on with pictures and stories, but downtown only gets worse. Downtown Everett isn’t even close to what it used to be back then, but maybe this arena can bring it back.
Everett
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