Downtown plan just a deep black hole

After reading Mr. Steve McAvoy's letter March 14 I'd like to make some observations on what is happening in our town.

The buildings that were already built along the lake off Old Rand Road are still empty. The lot that Dave's gas station sat on still remains an empty lot. Other businesses were relocated because of eminent domain and it seems that this downtown project is the most important issue that is on the mind of Mr. Tolomei.

If someone questions motives at a village meeting they are either ignored or treated rudely or given the look like "How dare you ask that?"

You and others are trying to get us to believe this project is going to be some kind of Shangrila when it is completed with smiling happy people greeting each other as they walk along the boardwalk with baby carriages. I see it as a black hole that keeps costing more money from our taxpayers with no end. Just like Iraq is costing us.

You make it sound like Mr. Tolomei is a saint who had a vision as he came down from the mountain that God told him to rebuild downtown. Why is this project so important? Could it be if you fill the townhouses and buildings with more residents that the population will increase so you can declare home rule? Just an observation.

Mark Urbane

Lake Zurich