This letter is in reference to the article by David Greisman ("Hickory Ridge wants gathering place in village center," Columbia Flier, Feb. 2), regarding development around the Hickory Ridge Village Center on the corner of Cedar Lane and Freetown Road.
I definitely do not want to see a gathering place on that corner.
My reasons are as follows:
• There already is ample space within the center on the avenue and in the square for a variety of activities. As of now, this avenue is mostly used by employees for smoking breaks. The area could easily accommodate and attract people with some game tables for chess and checkers.
• Financially, it could drain the community for the building, upkeep, cleaning and security needs required on an ongoing basis.
• It could lead to undesirable loitering with additional security concerns.
• Parking facilities would be required.
•Most importantly, the nearest housing is a senior development on one side and nursing homes on the other side.
• We already have a nice place on Martin Road, south of Owen Brown Road, that is not heavily used; a lovely pool at that location; another pool and lots of playgrounds at the Hickory Ridge Village Center and Atholton High School with ample playing fields.
How many playgrounds do we need?
Instead, housing would be a practical use for this location. We need more housing within walking distance of shops and restaurants. That would bring a lot more business to the shopping center than a play area.
May I suggest that we stop living in the past, not incur debt and skip luxuries?
As an environmentally conscious community, we would do better to use available funds to pick up leaves in the fall. Right now, they are clogging sewers. Eventually, they end up in the Chesapeake Bay.
Edith Cord
Columbia