While it is commendable that efforts be made to provide affordable low-income housing, the primary driving force behind the movement to convert Rancho Lanes on North Temple into housing may be the desire to provide quality housing for the media during the Olympics and thus avoid negative reporting as occurred in Atlanta.
But even more important than the big push to prepare for the Olympic Games is that we must not forget about the existing needs of the more than 50,000 residents who actually live here on the west side of the railroad tracks in Salt Lake City. One more vital entertainment center has been lost from our community, in addition to the closings of a number of movie theaters. The Rancho Lanes bowling alley provided alternative activities for people in our community.Our community remains without any accessible shopping malls or theaters and continues to suffer from a lack of commercial services, while a city like South Salt Lake with a population of just over 10,000 (1996 Census) now has a new 16 multiplex theater. While the city continues to be concerned with the major problem of juvenile crime, it must not forget the necessity for economic development on the west side.
While housing development continues apace on the west side, planning must be considered for providing the needed business services to complement the residential demands on the west side. As more housing brings increasing demands on government services, these businesses could help provide property taxes for our community.
People on the west side continue to shop in West Valley City and Bountiful, taking thousands of precious tax dollars away from our city.
And now our community has one less bowling alley for our youths to enjoy a safe, fun activity. Let's make sure that 50,000 people have a place to play and shop while in our rush to Olympic glory.
Tab L. Uno
Salt Lake City