Letter - Outraged by 'petty' demand

To the editor:

Kudos to the Indiana visitor who responded on December 29 to the article on the petition by “invisible” business owners on Highway 29. Never have I been so outraged at such a petty demand as when I read about the petition.

I was blessed to have been raised in Alexandria where the scenery is beautiful. We have a lovely town that hosts many, many guests. It’s a town that provides solace from the rat race of the Twin Cities or a hectic week. It is a place to get away, relax and enjoy. In cutting down the speckle of trees on Highway 29 South, we would be damaging the only bit of nature that remains in that populated area.

I have also been blessed to have lived 20 years in major metropolitan cities. And let me tell you, the concrete jungle gets old.

I’ve spoken about the petition to several friends and it seems there is a consensus. The fragile economy has people cutting corners everywhere. This will continue to keep people from spending $60 for a dinner that they can eat at home for $20. Also, when people do decide to treat themselves, maybe they choose to clip coupons and visit other area restaurants that boast lower prices. And, lastly, perhaps there is another reason that people just don’t visit your establishment.

I think that to tear down the sparse amount of small trees on Highway 29 is ridiculous.

Here’s another thought: Why is it that so many residents and visitors can locate “invisible” businesses such as Arrowwood and Eddy’s Interlachen Inn, which are both 10 miles from the freeway and surrounded by nothing but trees? Heck, it’s a wonder that the “invisible” Theatre L’Homme Dieu ever gets any business at all!

Brie Hayes

Alexandria, MN

Tags: opinion, letters, hayes