‘Little Saigon’ controversy
Street signs
Regarding “Home for ‘Little Saigon’ sought in ethnic-rich district” (Page A1, July 1), the article refers to Bellaire as Dai Lo Saigon. Please do not get used to referring to Bellaire as this because a group of citizens is doing everything it can to have foreign signs removed. The signs were installed at the end of last year because of a request by our former City Councilman Richard Nguyen, and there was no input from community organizations such as the Alief Super Neighborhood.
This is in an area that, in addition to Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants, also has Japanese, French, Mexican, Thai, Cajun and American restaurants all side by side. Rather than creating economic development as claimed by Councilman Steve Le, the proposed sign will discourage non-Vietnamese businesses from relocating or staying in the area.
Doug Smith, Houston
Favoritism
City Councilman Steve Le’s proposed “Little Saigon District” highlights the Vietnamese aspect of District F, even though the District is only 16.2 percent Vietnamese.
This is an affront to 83.8 percent of his non-Vietnamese constituents as the pie chart in the article shows.
Kit Williams, Houston
Questions
More than 100 people showed up (I was one of them) at the Alief Community Center for what was supposed to be the final discussion of this idea concerning the “Little Saigon District,” with 25 or so scheduled to speak. The sentiment was loud and clear: People objecting found the concept divisive, undemocratic, and definitely a payback to Le’s donors.
Vivien Sugar, Houston