Our Web readers speak out:

Truck stop proposal moves forward, Jan. 11

If this project is approved by the county commissioners, despite such widespread opposition by voters, then we will take names and vote out of office those who vote to approve it. A lawsuit might also be a good idea to stop it if the county votes yes. Outrageous situation.” B.H.

There are a lot of people who live in the city [who are] in favor of this. Maybe it’s not just about all the loud people that are against it. This will create muchneeded jobs and provide a much-needed tax base, which none of you seem to think about.” J.T.B.

If you think this truck stop will bring in problems to Santa Fe, go look in your own backyard. You already have all these problems. If you all are so opposed to this, change the zoning. It looks to me that the proposal meets all the conditions for the local ordinances. I really believe those that are opposed to this are the high and mighty who have moved into Santa Fe and not the blue-collar, hardworking folk that make your place to live as nice as it is.” D.R.

No, no, no — for so many reasons — it will destroy Santa Fe (Tennessee developers, hmm) and become obsolete in 10 years, and then what?” C.L.

Clean air is priceless. Polluted air kills. How did this proposal ever get this far? Follow the money.” D.S.

And the sanctimonious fear-mongering begins. I see 200 people looking for work and finding it. I see our highways being safer since the truck drivers have a safe place to sleep, eat and shower. I see corporations reconsidering Santa Fe as a place for investment due to ease of access. Santa Feans need to stop the divisive self-serving approach to progress.” R.A.O.

There is a full-service truck stop a few minutes down the road at San Felipe. This will take profits away from local New Mexicans and send it to corporate headquarters in another state. The proposal calls for two new hotels, which will take customers away from locally owned hotels and motels in the area already hurting for business. The truck stop has asked for signage variances while all of the other businesses near their proposed site have had to comply with the county signage ordinance.” M.K.

Here’s the issue: the location, pure and simple. It’s dangerous.” R.L.T.

If this dimwitted, desecrating development is approved against the express will of the citizens of Santa Fe, it will stand for years as a stinking, belching monument to shortsightedness and Climate Chaos Inc. (profits over people). Everyone who approaches La Villa Real by road will immediately see the shameful, scarifying sellout of our city’s heritage of grace and beauty for a sky full of fumes.” S.M. City floats plan for public restroom near Plaza, Jan. 8

I worked downtown for 30 years with the public sector. The public restroom situation is a nightmare. Convention center/City Hall is closed on weekends. Public restrooms are few and far between, especially on weekends, and worse for people who are disabled or in wheelchairs. Most restrooms are closed or locked to be used only for employees and customers who have shopped or dined at the store or restaurant. I heard there is a concern that there is also a water charge after so many gallons of usage. I suggest giving credit to businesses that are providing public restrooms.” S.D.

I would gladly pay a dollar to use a facility in the square!” M.P.K.

There are plenty of restrooms in the convention center. All that is needed are signs to point in that direction. Also, the city should maintain the Five and Dime’s restrooms.” D.M. The convention center restrooms are closed.” J.N. A [$130,000] project and they are not sure where the [$130,000] will come from? In New York City, they have public PAY toilets that self-clean. A buck gets you in there. Find that company, and the taxpayers will be paid back after five years or so.” K.F.K.

It looks way too small. It will get heavy use, will often be ‘out of order’ and I suspect will not last long. Put the [$130,000] towards something larger and more durable.” P.N.

We traveled in the U.K. last spring and discovered pay toilets — for a very reasonable 20 pence, about a quarter — pretty much everywhere. (I just learned to always have those coins on me). Or they would have a person in charge and you would pay him or her. Having lived here for more than 20 years, I have puzzled over Santa Fe’s lack of toilets. Especially considering tourism is a major source of income.” M.J.M.

Isn’t City Hall one block from the Plaza? Isn’t the convention center there also? Why can’t the bathrooms in question be placed there?” P.O.B.

Recall that we were promised public restrooms as part of the history museum, but they reneged.” M.L.