I always look forward to reading the editorial pages of the Duluth News Tribune, especially when they concern local historic preservation issues.
In case you haven't noticed, Duluthians, you have a beautiful city. It's beautiful because people have been relentless concerning the issue of preservation. Every city has big-box retail stores, but only Duluth has the unique buildings that line the streets of the downtown area and Canal Park. Events like the visit by the tall ships are made better because of the backdrop of your lovely town.
I know the city's purchase of the NorShor Theatre is a hot-button issue. The recent letter to the editor that suggested Duluth would be better served by a parking lot in its place amazed me (Readers' Views: "NorShor money pit would serve city as parking lot," Sept. 1). Saving old buildings is not an easy task. It takes commitment, dedication and a whole lot of money. A parking lot is much cheaper and easier to do. But would it be the right thing to do?
I don't think the taxpayers of a city should ever be totally responsible for footing the bill to save old buildings. The best thing to do is to get interested groups together to work on the project. I believe Duluth is doing this with the help of its arts community. I further believe, because of dedication, the NorShor is one day going to be made an integral part of the downtown area.
Anyone not convinced that saving an old downtown theater is a worthwhile project can come over to Superior and see, on Tower Avenue, where the Palace Theatre once stood. They can then try to tell me a parking lot is a better idea.
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Teddie Meronek
Superior
