WESTCHESTER — I would like to commend Blair Kamin on the wonderful article about Navy Pier (Arts & Entertainment, Aug. 20).
My only negative comment was that you did not address parking rates, which I believe are much too high for the number of families that frequent the Pier.
My husband and I have biked the area for many years. In fact, when the new Pier was being built, we took numerous pictures of the progress. We would now like to attend more functions there but cannot, and we really refuse to pay these rates.
The latest example was a week ago when we parked for a little over 4 hours at a rate of $15.50. Another time we were there for just over an hour and paid $12.50. We elected to be there in each instance but did not purchase anything or take advantage of other amenities.
I guess what I’m getting at is if parking fees were less expensive, don’t you believe people/guests would spend more money at the various events, boat rides, eating or just strolling? I know we would! Do you think Mayor Daley has ever been concerned over the issue of parking rates and how it affects families and their budgets or is the Pier only open to more affluent visitors?
Thanks for listening.
— Evelyn Sadecki
NAVY MALL?
CHICAGO — Blair Kamin’s article about Navy Pier was completely on target. The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and the architects of the pier really missed a lot of opportunities. The pier mostly reminds me of Great America without the rides, and the people have that mall-glazed look. I was put off by exactly what Kamin mentioned — that cheesy brick floor is exactly what the low-rent mall in Peoria has.
— Bart Swindall
