Published: September 21, 2008 11:52 pm            

LETTERS: Wintergarden’s charm has melted away

Wintergarden’s charm has melted away

Some things improve with age. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Wintergarden in downtown Niagara Falls. 

When that shiny glass building first made its appearance, it was met with excitement by many of the citizens of our city and dismay by many others. Was it a beautiful addition to the Rainbow Centre Mall and its array of stores and restaurants for all to enjoy, or was it a Berlin Wall dividing the city itself and blocking out the natural beauty of the Falls and State Park area? Everyone seemed to have their own opinion and feelings.

Unfortunately, most people today can only agree that the building itself has become another eyesore of our proud city. Whatever the plans were to keep it in good condition and make it a viable business have failed. And to leave it standing in its present state can only lead to further deterioration. One only needs to walk through the so-called passage way from one side of the Wintergarden to the other to realize that this is not the image we want to portray to our visitors.

The time has come for a decision — the Wintergarden should come down.

This will open up Old Falls Street and once again we will have a clear and unobstructed view from the State Park to Old Falls Street and our own Conference Center Niagara Falls. Let’s do the right thing that which will help to improve our city and take down the old so that we can make way for the future.  

Tricia Mezhir, general manager

Comfort Inn — The Pointe



Choosing to disagree

In his Sept. 16 article, “Stop subsidizing abortions,” Bob Confer admits the United States of America is decidedly split regarding abortions and will likely remain that way. First, I take exception to his calling the pro-choice side the pro-abortion crowd. The correct label is pro-choice.

Next, because there has been no resolution on a moral basis, he focuses on a fiscal attack which, I think, is shortsighted.

The Medicaid cost of funding abortions for women who do not want the children is negligible compared to the likely future expenditures of tax revenues for special education, unemployment, welfare, prosecution and incarceration if these unwanted are born and spend their first few years in a negative home environment. Most of them are behind before they begin to attend school, never catch up, and often drop out. They face life at a great disadvantage.

Furthermore, what is more democratic than choice? 

Ron Allera

Niagara Falls

        

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