Finding a solution to bagel quandary

Re: “The trouble with bagels” (Montreal Gazette, June 17) and “As first step, boycott bagels” (Letters, June 20)

So the smoke that helps make our bagels, some pizzas and Portuguese chicken so delicious is annoying some Mile End NIMBYs. I guess they moved there for the tranquility of life and not the food (especially those items), entertainment and general atmosphere that makes the neighbourhood famous.

Commercial and industrial establishments cannot make changes as quickly as private homes.

The amount of pollution emitted by the above mentioned establishments is minimal in the grand scheme of things. I live a block from the St-Viateur Bagel & Café on Monkland Ave. and have no complaints.

The article mentions the extent to which owners are working to reduce particulate emissions. Bravo to them! I might suggest they collaborate on these efforts to improve success and reduce cost.

A resident is quoted as saying she resents those who tell her she should not have moved to the neighbourhood knowing about the smoke. Well, add me to those whom she should resent, because that is how I feel.

Instead of attacking these marvellous enterprises, all those concerned should be working with owners to find ways to reduce emissions to acceptable levels without affecting quality or taste.

A letter-writer suggests a boycott. Just for that, I will now try to buy my beloved bagels in Mile End as opposed to N.D.G.

Attack the Montreal bagel and you have declared war! Ken Frankel, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce