Re: your June 14 article, "101-Olivas Park roadway edges forward":
I read the article on the proposed extension of Olivas Park Road to Highway 101 with great interest. It is always good to hear that someone in government had a good idea, and this one is very good. It would ease traffic congestion and put some undeveloped land to good use.
But I think this deal could be worked to alleviate another issue that is facing our city: the issue of what to do with Wal-Mart.
The article stated that there could be some added commercial development of the area, which is another good idea because the city can use the tax money they would bring in.
My idea is for the city to contact Wal-Mart and ask them if they would want to build there, where they would be nearer the freeway and would probably have enough room for a superstore instead of building on an overcrowded street in the heart of town.
The city could even work out some type of land swap, where the city would get the old Kmart location to do with as they please. Perhaps the city could redevelop that area in coordination with the planned makeover of Victoria Avenue. I am thinking of a small park -- call it Victoria Gardens? -- with small shops interspersed. Starbucks would probably stake out a site.
Believe me, I am no fan of Wal-Mart for a number of reasons. But with the economy the way it is, any company that is offering to bring in jobs -- and many people would love to work for them or anyone else -- and tax revenue should be welcome in our town.
Wal-Mart also sells products at very reasonable prices, so all of the city's hard-working families would benefit from having the store nearby.
-- John Darling, Ventura