A belated comment on your June 8 editorial on the proposed Evanston mall:
Many Evanston residents and merchants oppose the present version of this project as being too big, too trite (yet another “multiplex”), a traffic and parking nightmare and totally out of character with the unique charm and beauty of Evanston.
It is not “elitist” but simple common and fiscal sense to advocate enhancement of that which makes our town different from other towns. People will come to shop and play in Evanston precisely and to the extent that it is different from the many other–and excellent–malls and downtown shopping areas in surrounding communities. It is not “negative” thinking but the most positive thinking to suggest that Evanston wants, needs and deserves something far more original, interesting and appropriately scaled than the proposed Arthur Hill Co. development, something that will distinguish Evanston from its neighbors, not imitate them.
