Don’t stifle commerce with street plan

While expanding from the town of 8,000 my family moved into in the early 1950s to its present size, Marion has remained a vibrant, safe place to raise a family.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni of Marion Independent and Linn-Mar schools, of former residents and of friends of the community, excellent amenities have been built for the city. The library is first class. Lowe Park is a beautiful venue. Through all the years of growth, a healthy, successful business community has thrived and supported fundraisers, festivals, concerts, youth sports and more. The level of volunteerism is outstanding.

But I am concerned that adopting the most extreme option plan for the city's Seventh Avenue project might not be a good move. While improvements such as a bike trail will be wonderful, it doesn't make sense to strangle the business community. I hope the city finds a compromise that ensures the benefits of commerce extend well beyond the 2010 project.

It is the idealists who dream the visions for us, but it is the realists who write checks that make those dreams come true.

Sherry Barney

Hartelt

Mount Vernon