Apparently, some recipients received only part of this COMMUNIT-E. Therefore,
I am resending the entire document to everyone. I am also adding a
few
comments that arrived after I had done the mailing. The last item on
your
document should be from
kirkdon@ibm.net. Let me know if it is not and I will resubmit
the second
half of the document to you. Sorry for the inconvenience -- KS
COMMUNIT-E
February 5, 2001
ANC3E MEETING AGENDA
From: McnamRus@aol.com (Chris McNamara)
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3E
TENLEYTOWN · AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK · FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS
MEETING NOTICE
Thursday, February 8, 2001
7:30 PM
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church
42nd & Fessenden Streets, NW
AGENDA:
1. Announcements
2. ANC Business
· Adoption of Minutes of January 11, 2001 Meeting
· Approval of Treasurer's Report
3. Open Forum - opportunity for members of the community to raise
issues of
concern or importance to the 3E neighborhood.
4. Presentation by 2nd District Police
5. Discussion and vote on American University's Ten-Year Campus
Plan Proposal
6. Presentation by Dan Tangherlini, Acting Director, Dept. of
Public Works
7. Presentation by Phil Heinreich, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
(Tentative)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CALL (202) 244-0800
www.anc3e.org
HISTORICAL STATUS OF HECHINGER / SEARS STORE
The following are the responses, to date, to Joanne Capper's suggestion
for
"de-historizing the former Hechinger building." They are pretty much
in the
order that I received them, with the exception of Tad DiBiase's, which
reflects on the question I ask below.
It occurs to me that we would not be having this discussion if there
were a
hardware store in that building. That makes me wonder what the
Madison
Retail Co. is or is not doing to attract such a store. I don't know
how this
all works from the realty standpoint; can anyone enlighten me?
Is it possible that Madison has made it unattractive because of rents
that
would be too high, or other barriers? What is Madison doing?
Who can shed
some light on this?
It further occurs to me that if we had all been more alert to what was
happening, and attending the ANC meetings when historic designation
for this
building was being discussed, we wouldn't now be trying to second guess
a
decision that probably most of us allowed ANC Commissioners to
make with no
input from us. The ANCs are the first line of government in DC and
their
opinions are considered to carry great weight in government decision
making,
especially in the neighborhoods.
In other words, if you are not now attending ANC and Neighborhood Association
meetings, it would be a good idea to do so. You don't want to be further
surprised in the future.
---------------------------
Responses:
**** From: Thomas.Dibiase@usdoj.gov (Thomas Dibiase)
Regarding Hechingers: Two things: 1. The owners are still
working
on tenants and hope to have an announcement about what might
happen shortly. 2. Chief Barry McDermitt of Metro Transit assured
me
that they are working to keep the tops of the escalators clear of
homeless men (he has asked his officers to give that area "special
attention") and I want to be sure that this is true. If anyone
thinks this is
not improving, please send me an e-mail at twodeacons@aol.com.
Tad
DiBiase, ANC Commissioner.
**** From: cristine.a.romano@usdoj.gov (Cristine Romano)
Joanne, I saw your note in communit-e, and I couldn't agree more with
you. I
have no expertise whatsoever in historical designation/de-listing.
But, if
you
happen to be compiling a list of interested parties who together want
to form
a
strategy, please add my name. I'll learn as I go.
**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com (Beth Kravetz)
I was on the ANC when we voted to support the application for historic
preservation on the Sears Building (1993). We made that decision
based upon
many factors, the least of which was the "architectural" heritage of
the
building.
The main reason at the time, and which I believe still is of utmost
importance to the community, was to keep the building site from being
overbuilt by developers. We in the Tenleytown community feel
very strongly
about not allowing this neighborhood to suffer the same fate as Friendship
Heights. We are committed to keeping the neighborhood in low-rise
density.
Having that building designated historically significant allows that
result.
We have been victimized too many times by developers who submit one
plan,
tell the community one thing, and then go ahead and do something quite
different (for example, the building that is now the AU Law Center,
which
replaced a neighborhood theater in the 70's, and more recently, the
building
at 4000 Wisconsin Avenue).
One example of "good results" is the recent project on upper Wisconsin
Avenue
where the Borders Books/Eddie Bauer/Linens 'n Things is. That
property lay
vacant for 10 years or so. By making the developer jump through
hurdles, we
got a pleasant, neighborhood friendly commercial/residential project,
not
another highrise.
So...while I agree with you that the building is rather unattractive,
there
is a reason to keep it much the way it is. I believe that the
community will
support reasonable changes to the building and that the Historic Preservation
Board will as well (see how they worked with Crate and Barrel); but
we need
to be patient and find the right tenant or mix of uses.
If you want to talk to me further about this, please contact me.
**** From: jbachman@aiadc.org (Bachman, Janet)
I totally agree with the comments from Ms. Capper on the old
Hechinger building. It's one of the ugliest buildings around,
and why
anyone would want to preserve it is beyond me. It's a monument
to nothing
but bad architecture.
**** From: Jcapper@worldbank.org (Joanne Capper)
In response to Beth's response - I frankly think that the Friendship
Heights
area is much more attractive than our commercial neighborhood - although
pretty crowded these days. I don't doubt that developers would
try to do
some pretty undesirable things, but I don't think keeping one helluva
ugly
bldg is the way to keep that from happening. My guess also is that
property
values in FH are increasing at a much faster rate than are ours.
**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com
Not even close --- the AU Park residential area has the tightest real
estate
market in the area; houses are selling for way over asking price in
the 700's
now in 24 hours or less.
Yes, I agree, the building is ugly. Do you trust Donahoe to put
up anything
better? I sure don't.
**** From: JWilliam@nas.edu (Jon Williams)
I'm a member of the Tenleytown Neighbors Association (TNA), a single-issue
group
that has broadened its concerns to all development and related matters
in the
Tenleytown area. At one of our earliest meetings, prior to the
Home Depot
initiative, a gentleman stood up and took credit for engineering the
historic
designation of the Sears building to "keep anything more than two stories
high
being built there." I do have an interest in historic preservation,
but I
found this to be a misuse of the process, and the sort of thing that
give
preservationists a bad name.
When the Home Depot proposal was current, I initiated an email discussion
of
reversing the historic preservation on the grounds that it was done
solely to
stop development in Tenleytown, and that the evidence of the historic
significance of this extraordinarily ugly building is very shaky.
This
produced
a volley of emails from the people who participated in the original
historic
designation, one of which admits that the main purpose was anti-development,
and
others of which say, "there's nothing to discuss- its a done deal."
I wonder if that's true, and whether the designation could be reversed?
I
think
it would be a great boon to Tenleytown. DC has a historic preservation
office.
Perhaps a phone call to them could clarify the options.
**** From: CindySnyder@aol.com
I am so glad to hear someone say this about the Hechinger's Bldg. I
too think
it's ugly and actually is a negative, not a plus, on that corner. Yes,
what
will it take to get rid of its current status?
**** From: Jchassard@worldbank.org (Joëlle Chassard)
You asked for feedback on the proposal for "de-historizing" the former
Hechinger
building. Please count me in as a supporter of the proposal;
the building is
such an eye sore!
**** From: JoanOlexa@aol.com
Regarding the Hechinger Building. My husband and I both agree
that the
building should not stay as an historical one. Having a hardware
store is
much more a concern than that ugly building.
**** From: mma1126@hotmail.com (Mary Abate)
I say, RAZE the Hechinger building. It's an eyesore, and always
has been. (Its awkwardness may have been one of the many reasons
why
Hechinger's went under. I always hated shopping there, and not
just because
the things that I wanted were never in stock, and the help knew nothing
and
cared less.) I don't care how old it is, it doesn't deserve historic
status
and protection. Wouldn't it be nice if Metro bought the site,
built a
commuter parking lot underground for all the Maryland commuters who
park on
our residential streets, and then rented the above-ground space (with
associated customer parking) to some nice stores, including a hardware
store!
**** From: Jspigel@KSLAW.com (Jeff Spigel)
I think this is a great idea. Let me know if you hear back from
a critical
mass of people. I would imagine the first thing we need is a
memo/outline
describing what steps are necessary to declassify a historical property.
**** From: vze27vta@verizon.net (John A McCarthy)
I completely agree with the idea of de-historizing the Sears Building.
Just
because something is old doesn't mean that it is worth preserving.
That
building has absolutely no architectural or historical significance.
I
think that it is an eyesore that needs to be pulled down and replaced
with
something of value to both the owners and the community.
**** From: Fmanibog@worldbank.org (Fernando Manibog)
I support this. That building should have been torn down a long
time ago.
**** From: Robert_D_FRIEDEL@umail.umd.edu (rf27)
This is just a quick response to Ms. Capper's note regarding
"de-historizing" the old Sears building at Wisconsin and Albemarle.
I assume
she is referring to the structure's historic landmark status (the term
she
uses is one that I have never before encountered--and hope never to
encounter again). The historic significance of the building has
nothing to
do with "beauty," although there are many of us who would disagree
with her
characterization of the building as "ugly." The building is actually
a
wonderful example of commercial architecture and the innovative use
of
concrete, from a period for which the District has few distinguished
examples. The Hechinger's alterations of the building diminished
but did
not destroy its architectural integrity, and in fact served to demonstrate
that the building can be usefully configured in a range of ways without
undue change to either structure or appearance. I think it is
important
that it be made clear that some members of the community (I have lived
in AU
Park for more than 17 years) treasure the historic and architectural
integrity of our neighborhood, and believe that part of its strength
and
character comes from a healthy diversity of styles and structures.
Without
trying to make this building seem more important than it is, I will
point
out that the sad history of the destruction of American cityscapes
is
littered with just the kind of narrow characterizations of what is
beautiful and what is ugly that Ms. Capper's note reflects.
**** From: Welwells@aol.com (Walter Wells)
If an effort is initiated to "dehistoricize" this building, I'll
be happy to
support it. It will not improve with age, quite the opposite.
**** From: Anonymous
Don't know this for a fact, but I understand the
historic designation for Hechingers was done largely to allow it to
apply
for tax credits for the remodeling. I doubt that you'll get a
whole lot of
informed opposition to tearing it down. As always, I have to
stay out of
such things, but thought you'd like to know what I heard from a city
official last fall.
**** From: KDH20016 (Ken Heisler)
Yeah, knock it (old Hechinger's store) down to the ground!
Never did like it....
We need something more contemporary and lively....shops
and cafes....maybe a decent restaurant (finally...no offense to Guapo's)!!!
**** From: Betsy_Seastrum@ita.doc.gov (Betsy Seastrum)
Yes, we would certainly agree with doing whatever is needed, including
abolition of that unsightly building, to get a good local hardware
store
again.
**** From: gene.thompson@jeremiah.com (Gene Thompson)
Tear it down! It is not an asset to our community.
It is certainly not historic. They only ones who slept there
are a few bums.
See if the church behind it would be interested in moving or being
a part of
a new development. This would make more space available to Home
Deport, etc.
**** From: jfkhoury@erols.com (Jane Khoury)
I think that I would support a De-historicalization. Does such
a process
exist?
**** From: From: cstraight@adpims.com (Charlotte Straight)
I don't have any particular fondness for the old Sears/Hechinger's
building,
but
would hope that anything that was built on that site would complement
the
neighborhood, unlike the modernistic glass buildings in the next block
where
the
travel place is/was. Also, if something goes in there like a
Home Depot, it
should accommodate parking the way the present structure does.
**** From: dtaube@nareit.org (David Taube)
Clearly the building is not suitable for a modern-day retailer.
Otherwise,
I'm sure Home Depot would have made the property work for them.
The lack of
available sites in DC would suggest that any retailer would make the
property
workable if they feasibly could.
The site should be redeveloped. If the historic preservationists
have any
concerns, perhaps the facade (for what it's worth) could be incorporated
into
the new development.
**** From: jbmahaffie@coatesandjarratt.com (John B. Mahaffie)
I agree with the originator of this discussion. I am an arch
preservationist and extremely cautious about what is done and
allowed in our neighborhood. And I often prefer the devil I know--an
ugly,
unworkable building--to the devil I don't--whatever developers put
together
next.
I shopped at Sears all my childhood and Hechingers after that.
But my nostalgia doesn't help anybody now.
This time I think we could all benefit from redevelopment. I say
tear it down and try again
**** From: Anonymous
I realize that there is a division among people in the neighborhood
with
regard to historic preservation or historic overlays. The fact of the
matter
is that any one person, or any several person's, view of what is aesthetic
or historically important isn't necessarily relevant; there are guidelines
for this and like the old fire house, the Hechinger building has met
them.
As with the fire house, a more productive way of looking at the issue
is:
how can we work with what we have, maintain the quality and feeling
of the
neighborhood and still get what we need, which I think in this case
nearly
everyone would agree is a hardware store. (In the case of the firehouse,
we
are going to end up with a building that maintains the old one, resonates
it
respectfully in a new addition and gives us the coverage the Fire Chief
believes we will need for the foreseeable future - a win-win.) Frankly,
it's
my view that the city was pretty strongly behind the idea of a Home
Depot at
the Hechinger site and between city flexibility and neighborhood
forbearance, that would have happened successfully for everyone. But
we have
to recognize that it would have been more difficult for Home Depot
and when
the New York Avenue operation became a possibility and the city clearly
evidenced a desire for that to happen too, Home Depot took the easy
route.
Can't blame them at all, and it likely doesn't foreclose them being
interested in the Wisconsin Avenue site at some point if it's available.
They've said that. But clearly that won't be soon. So, let's talk to
Loew's.
They have the same product. Same constraints too, but it seems to me
that if
they see Home Depot picking up the east half of the city and leaving
the
west half open, they might actually be a little more highly motivated
than
Home Depot was with no competition. Remember, the demographics of Tenleytown
and the surrounding area imply lots of hardware-store spending, maybe
more
than on New York Avenue, and that's worth working for.
That means some work, come contacts and maybe another meeting such
as the
one with the Hechinger people. Maybe the realty company that owns it
might
be interested in holding one of them so they could gauge the interest.
If
they don't bite, there's always True Value or Servicestar, which are
very
powerful hardware store presences in their own right. Strosnider's
recently
branched into Silver Spring, which is not much further a drive, really,
than
Tenleytown, with less-attractive demographics.
Finally, a word of caution about the old Sears building: Those of you
who
don't think the building is historic, or attractive, ought to remember
that
what you wish for could come true. If that plot of land were available
for
razing, we could end up with a 555.5-foot tall office building with
massive
underground parking there, hundreds of office workers and zillions
of new
cars into the area. That's within the zoning. You ready for that, cause
I'm
not.
**** From: ptalmon@starpower.net (Patrick G. Talmon)
I agree with Capper's suggestion to drop Hechinger's historical status
and
allow Home Deport to renovate to benefit both them and us in the Hood!
**** From: Mitnick123
I would like to see the Hechinger's historic designation removed.
I am a
strong supporter of historic preservation, but this is not an example
of
something worth saving.
**** From: biking2@yahoo.com (Richard Clark)
Hechingers = tear it down. From what bit I know, it's only historical
because
it had roof parking and try to attract people from the burbs back into
the
city by
offering that parking. Other than that, it's just one ugly building.
We've
torn down
so many buildings that certainly are more attractive than the ole Sears
building and did it without a tear, so why not this one?
**** From: hcsrlj@gwumc.edu (Robert Jayes)
I would vote for compromise on the historic status of the Hechinger
building.
I think new construction could preserve any "historic" value
of the existing
facade.
**** From: Gpgazed (Judie Guy)
I'm happy to have the opportunity to say AGAIN: Count my husband
and I as
among those who don't believe the Hechinger building is worth
preserving/restoring -- particularly when it causes the building to
remain
vacant and discourages development of something we might like to have.
**** From: jrwdcc@worldnet.att.net (Jeffrey Wells)
YEEESSS!! Let's de-historicize it. It was the Art Deco society
that got it
listed I think -- I'm not sure it's worth it...
**** From: p-johnson@starpower.net (Philip Johnson)
If we do not save the buildings that give us character and memory,
even if the
"style" is unpopular, then we will end up surrounded by corporate,
or
government, homogenized trash. It is a challenge to reuse a building
like the
Sears. I vote we wait for the visionary to do it.
**** From: Hdwinell (Harriet Dwinell)
Definitely de-historicize the Hechinger building. To have designated
that
cheaply built edifice a historic building is a joke.
**** From: bbergman@wam.umd.edu (Barbara R. Bergmann)
The Hechinger building is excessively ugly. Losing it would be a gain,
not a loss. If that building is worthy of historic preservation, I'm
a
2000 foot communications tower.
**** From: Aijacelbl (Aija Blitte)
Re Hechinger's: I also think that it is an ugly and useless building.
Can't
imagine why anyone would think that it should be saved. And we
definitely
need a Home Depot-type store in our general neighbourhood.
**** From: kenanddavida@starpower.net (Kenneth Giles)
RE Hechingers - WONDERFUL idea, ugly building, bad problem. Where
do I
sign?
**** From: vual7@yahoo.com (Anji Henderson)
As for Hechingers, I haven't figured out how I feel about it yet and
probably
wont... :) I really just
want Hechingers back... Not Home Depot because there way of shelving
really
boggels my mind..... Lowes maybe......
**** From: lawrence.miller@starpower.net (Lawrence M. Miller)
What a great idea! I hope it's possible.
**** From: jan.phalen@AoA.gov (Phalen, Jan)
I agree with enthusiasm with the suggestion that the Sears building
be
de-designated.
**** From: Burchard.Robert@epamail.epa.gov
My wife and I would strongly support any action to get the Hechingers'
building back in productive use. I find it hard to understand
why such an
ugly building is a historical landmark...
**** From: Wexler@innocon.com (Wexler, Mike)
I fully support the idea to de-classify the Building (I took it for
granted
that this
was already considered, and was deemed unattainable...)
**** From: roths@sprintmail.com (Laura Roth)
In response to the Hechinger's question, it'd be fine with me to raze
the
building if that has become an impediment to doing something with it.
Also,
where do things stand with the Tenley firehouse construction?
**** From: michaelinda88@hotmail.com (Michael Hughes)
We STRONGLY agree with the recommendation to eliminate the historical
status
of the old Hechinger building. It is an EYESORE. Nothing
can be done to
make it attractive, and now that Hechinger's is out we have a chance
to tear
down this monstrosity and put something in its place that will be an
asset
to the neighborhood. Two votes (four if you include kids) for
eliminating
the historical status, and physical presence, of the old Hechinger's!!!
**** From: IAHUNT (Irmgard Hunt)
I fully agree that we should make efforts to get the old Sears building
out
from under its "historical landmark" status. This designation
makes a
mockery out of the concept of landmark preservation and what it should
protect. The building is an eye sore inside and out and it's
not even
functional. Almost anything replacing it would be better.
**** From: LWB@worldnet.att.net (Llewellyn Bensfield)
The old Sears was the first of a 70's type of no-windows-indoor-mall
concept
of
shopping with parking on top. That's why it was designated an historic
landmark. Folks at HPRB think it's great or so one said to me in an
very
casual
conversation when I stopped by one day on another errand and said the
building
was an eyesore.
It would be nice to make it into a row of low storefronts, each
housing a
shop
or restaurant with perhaps a not so mammoth store behind. But frankly,
neighborhoods have become such control freaks that I doubt any owner
will want
to bother, with or without the historic handicap. Too bad for smart
growth,
especially in that spot where every building is uglier than the next,
including
our library.
**** From: Abbott1229@erols.com (Richard Abbott)
I have some contacts among people concerned with historic
preservation in DC and might be able to find somebody who could advise
on
the feasibility of changing the status of the Hechinger/Sears building.
**** From: monipamp@bellatlantic.net (Monika Pamp)
Joanne Capper speaks from the bottom of my heart with finding the Hechinger
building ugly and not at all worthy for preservation. I was wondering
ever
since I heard of it what kind of "expert" might have been responsible
for
that... And definitely having a desirable business on that site is
much
better as the ruin we're looking at right now! So what ever is necessary
in
reversing this "historical status" -- my family and I would wholeheartedly
support such a campaign.
**** From: Copingptnr (Susan Beale)
The Hechinger's building is ugly, but it does provide off street parking,
and
it's designation does prevent a much taller building from going up
and adding
to local congestion on Wisconsin and Albemarle. I'd just as soon
see it come
down if it can be replaced by a building of similar height and similar
off
street parking.
**** From: From: NataliJ (John Natali)
I have never wanted a Home Depot to move to the old Sears building.
It will
be UGLY. Hechingers was ugly when it was there. And a Home
Depot will
generate huge amounts of traffic and confusion. Have you ever
been to a Home
Depot store? Huge parking lot. Huge number of cars.
And both the
Gaithersburg and the Merrifield stores are total eyesores. Junk
and trash
and carts everywhere along with constant traffic jams in the lot and
surrounding streets. I waited in a line of 30 cars one day just
to enter the
Home Depot lot in Merrifield. Do we really want that on River
Road, 42nd
Street and Albemarle? I don't.
While you are at it take a look at Wisconsin Ave. from Van Ness St.
north to
Fessenden St. The place is a dump. The stores are shabby.
The road surface
looks like something from the third world. There are boarded
up buildings.
Trash, no grass, some failed attempt to plant something in the tree
boxes.
You would never know that there are $500,000 houses just a block off
this
Avenue. It is a disgrace and I wonder how bad it will get before
something
changes for the better.
**** From: From: Jromjrom@aol.com (Joanna)
I have NO problem in getting rid of the Hechinger's building if something
better can be designed and something community friendly (with enough
parking
if necessary) could be developed on the spot. It's unattractive,
has NEVER
been attractive and adds nothing to community (except the concept of
rooftop
parking).
It's appalling that it was deemed historic and the house that got torn
down
in the dead of night was not.
Of course, please, no more mattress stores. What are they really
selling? My
kids joke that Tenley is the "mattress district." Can't we carve
something
nicer for ourselves?
**** From: Hahagerty@aol.com (Herb Hagerty)
The Hechinger Building: I think Joanne Capper's idea is
the way to go, but
is it possible to do that in this life?
**** From: KMoore@childtrends.org (Kristin MOORE)
I agree with the idea that this building is not historic and indeed
is a real
eyesore. I see no reason to keep it as it is.
**** From: Bolanjc@aol.com (Jean Peaslee)
I certainly wouldn't be opposed to tearing down the Hechinger (formerly
Sears) building. It isn't really a historic landmark and definitely
not
attractive.
**** From: Anonymous
I am a transit advocate and environmentalist who believes we are killing
our
planet with cars. I'd LOVE to see LOTS of high density development
allowed
anywhere within 3 blocks of Metrorail, as long as structured parking
is
provided appropriate to the high density structures. But I guess that
isn't
going to see in our middle- and upper-class back yard!! Until the seas
rise
over the Potomac bridges.....
**** From: Marthans@aol.com (Martha Saccocio)
Count me (and my husband) as two who would love to see that building
go. Or
at least have the historic status removed so that they would have the
freedom
to renovate it...
**** From: Jah824@aol.com
I read the responses to your survey and found only a few that I can
agree
with. The building may not be beautiful or even historic, but
what could
replace it scares me much much more. There must be a middle ground
that
would prevent using the building for large retail use (that would attract
too
many cars) but would give the neighborhood the hardware and copy shop,
etc-type businesses we need within walking distance. The suggestions
for
PATIENCE strike me as the best!
**** From: mclarry@bruman.com (Melissa W. Clarry)
I would love to see the building replaced by attractive mixed use commercial
entities -- such as shops, restaurants, etc. -- that would create more
economic development and encourage people to walk /use public transportation
to get to AU Park -- rather than drive to a large, ugly single use
(i.e.
hardware store) facility.
I live on Brandywine and can see the Hechinger from my house -- while
I miss
the convenience of a nearby hardware store, traffic was a nightmare
on the
weekends around the Hechinger. I think any single use facility
(like a
hardware store or Target which was discussed at one point) would only
encourage more traffic because people like to drive to pick up large
items,
rather than take the Metro.
If you recall, when Roma's restaurant in Cleveland Park closed a few
years
ago, it was replaced by many different shops, restaurants, and bakeries.
I
think not only would this option be more physically attractive, but
it would
cut down on the traffic that a single use facility would generate.
Certainly if the community could stop the tower midway, the community
could
ensure that whatever replaced the Hechinger building was appropriate
and
attractive. I would love to hear people's ideas about this.
**** From: kirkdon@ibm.net
That sounds on the surface like a good suggestion. Trouble is, we don't
know
what
the next bunch would do -- and might wind up with some glass and aluminum
monstrosity like that hideous bldg on Ct near VanNess or some of that
junk at
Friendship Heights. So I'm almost in favor of sticking with what we've
grown
used
to seeing and loving, sort of. "Almost," because if someone comes along
with a
terrific idea, one that won't screw up the neighborhood, maybe we could
think
again, but that's very unlikely. In fact, we shouldn't take the risk.
---End of Comments---
.