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Letters to the editor
Preserve Key West by
blocking chains
Having written two
previous letters to the editor that were published in The Citizen on my
extreme sadness over chain stores opening in Old Town, I just wanted to
express my great happiness over someone attempting to do something about
it.
I read in The Citizen
that the planning board [recommended] a proposed ordinance that would
stop any new chain restaurants and retail stores from opening in the Key
West Bight or on Upper Duval Street, south of Petronia Street. I
recognize that the citizens of Key West have the ultimate stake in these
decisions and must manage the community as they see fit.
However, from an
outsider's perspective looking in, and as a frequent visitor who has a
passionate love of the town, I have to say that keeping national chains
out of Old Town is the single best thing Key West can do to maintain the
special and wonderful charm and character that is unique to Key West.
Chains homogenize
communities, and the more Key West looks like anywhere else, the more
what makes it special will be diminished. Over time, that would erode
the tourism backbone of the town's economy. I want to see Key West
prosper without compromising the great charm of the town. I would feel
great loss if Key West evolved into a place that I no longer cared to
visit. I applaud the ordinance and hope it will receive careful
consideration and approval.
Joe Chaya
Audubon, PA
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