Put people's needs ahead of developers
Montgomery County Gazette
June 29, 2005
Kudos to former County Councilman Isiah "Ike" Leggett for his
strong public support of the original design of the Silver
Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza, one undiminished by
council budget cuts and cost savings.
At the last meeting of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory
Board, Mr. Leggett recalled the promises County Executive Doug
Duncan made to the community that our downtown would have a
shimmering public gathering space, incorporating a Great Hall
equal in size to its predecessor, a community pavilion and a
public skating rink. Mr. Leggett said that this vision was in
jeopardy because the county executive, County Council and their
budget planners have forgotten the "compact" that was made
between our neighbors and the county authorities when they tore
down the Silver Spring Armory.
Mr. Leggett, a military veteran, said that the old Armory was
an powerful tribute to all Americans who have served in our
armed forces, and that a new veterans memorial would be an
important symbol of our community's history and values.
He reminded us, as Silver Spring's economic development moves
forward, that it's important to place the people's needs ahead
of developer's profits and shortsighted government spending
cuts.
Alan S. Bowser, Silver Spring
The writer is co-chairman of the Neighborhoods Committee
of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board. |
