Mailbag

Americana turning into its own republic

When Rick Caruso proposed his Americana business, the city of Glendale subsidized him with tens of millions of dollars so that he would bring high class or “upscale” stores and somehow elevate the status of the city. So he built his business and brought a Barney’s outlet store and a Tiffany’s and a few others. Now he wants to bring a farmers market (“Caruso changes market’s day,” March 20). A rather curious proposal, we must admit — just the thought of one buying onions and tomatoes and then entering Tiffany’s to buy diamonds amuses me.

So, what are we to expect next for the Americana? A swap meet? Or perhaps a rodeo, with bull-riding contests and all? How will we know when Glendale has elevated (or is it “upscaled”) itself sufficiently to put a stop to all this nonsense?

THEODORE POLYCHRONIS

Glendale

Garage renters have a reason to do it

Regarding “Inspectors find illegal housing,” March 24:

If there was an abundance of affordable housing, individuals and families wouldn’t be seeking out garages to live in. That choice is about economics rather than anything else. Where are people supposed to live if they can’t afford the average apartment? The street?

STACY STRAABERG FINFROCK

Glendale

Time to campaign for sound walls

I read the article in the Glendale News-Press about the need for sound walls for the Foothill (210) Freeway (“Official wants sound walls,” March 17). I was disappointed because it doesn’t seem possible to fund for sound walls.

As a resident living near the Foothill Freeway, I agree with Larry Brown and Frank Beyt. Although I’ve been living here for more than a year, I still can’t get used to the sound of traffic. In summer, we prefer turning the air conditioner on to opening windows because we can’t watch TV at a normal volume level if windows are opened. I didn’t know there were some solutions for that problem. I thought we just had to bear it. However, after reading this article, I figured out what the residents have to do. Nobody takes care of it if they just stand there and see what happens. We have to do something positive like sending a letter to Caltrans, even if it’s rejected. We should show them how our life gets damaged by noise pollution. We do need to speak up louder than the sounds of tires.

SUE YANG

Glendale

End in sight for Garfield Campus