I'm responding to the June 14 letters to the editor and the editorial regarding Merriweather.
Not a "relative newcomer," I exercised "due diligence" in choosing my home in Columbia: Key factors in my choice were its excellent school system, close commuting distance to both Baltimore and Washington, and all the amenities that come with neighborhood-friendly, suburban living.
Choosing to live close to an outdoor venue, I did expect to "hear occasionally the sounds of their concerts," key words being "occasional" and "sounds."
There is a win-win solution out there so no "concert goer" is deprived and so no decent citizen is expected to "leave and take" their "uncivil ideas" with them.
I never thought I'd look forward to plans to further development in Symphony Woods, but if "added buildings help mitigate the sounds from Merriweather and improved technology makes it easier to confine them," I have a renewed interest in the upgrades proposed in the Columbia Town Center Redevelopment Plan.
It seems that my so called "uncivil" ideas, i.e. reduced noise, better traffic flow and safety, a variety of activities offered, both ''active and passive," are key considerations of the plan that aims to move us toward an even better downtown Columbia
Jane Hanfman
Columbia
