Speak Out

Community needs real shopping opportunities

I say it's about time [for Longs]. For those of us who do not drive, it will make life a lot easier to have a store we might just be able to actually patronize. I mean, how many restaurants and kitschy boutiques do we really need?

Having lived in Willow Glen for more than half a century, I can surely tell you that it would be nice to walk to my shopping and prescription needs instead of having to take the bus all the time. Although I can understand the "purist" positions here, I think it's time for the non-purists to say, "Hey, I'd like a break here. Let's get some real shopping opportunities in Willow Glen."

Bonnie Osterman
Glen Eyrie

Longs is not an asset to Avenue

This is in reference to your article regarding Longs Drugs moving onto Lincoln Avenue ("Neighbors are nervous over plans for Longs," Nov. 17).

Another aspect against its presence is the advertisement flyers that are bound to clutter the street; delivery trucks parked around; and shopping carts left on the streets or pushed and abandoned throughout the neighborhood. Even now, without Longs, several (not all) entrepreneurs neglect to sweep their sidewalks in front of their place of business each day. Their neglect causes the Avenue to appear dirty and unkempt; not a good trait to attract business.

Longs type of businesses belong in a shopping center. I don't see them (or it) as an asset to Willow Glen on Lincoln Avenue.

Althea M. Dooley
Fairview Avenue

'One large strip mall filled with yuppies'

I would like to urge all residents and merchants in Willow Glen to voice their opposition and implement more barriers so Longs may take its outlet and pomposity to another neighborhood. Over the past 50 years, our district has been able to flourish and maintain its identity despite the valley's enormous growth.

We are at the point that, if we begin to allow national retail chains to permeate our village, we will be nothing but one large strip mall filled with yuppies pushing their kids and retrievers. In order to maintain our dynamic, we must come together as a group and rid the community of these sterile outlets instead of pushing out local businesses that add flavor.

In order for this to happen, we must have synergy amongst the residents, the merchants and the WGBPA [Willow Glen Business and Professional Association].

Jeff Silvas
Willow Glen

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