The Buffalo News takes its lumps and deservedly so.   (click the pic for a large version)

I was saddened to read in the Aug. 17 editorial “Time to move ahead” the closing line “While there may be some who are never satisfied until the ‘historic waterfront’ again becomes home to drunks, thugs, prostitutes and rats . . ” I know people who are working in opposition to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. plan for Bass Pro and there is not a one whom such a line could characterize.

We are all thoughtful, deeply committed individuals putting our time and energy into working for the good of Buffalo, including members of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers, the Preservation Coalition, Campaign for Buffalo, the League of Women Voters and many other groups — hardly a group of marginal radicals.

There is a wide range of opinions. But there seems to be general agreement that a big box store should not be located within the 12-acre waterfront site, parking should not be a major usage of the site, such a large public subsidy is questionable and that all planning for the waterfront should be open and public. Such language in “Time to move ahead” can only be regarded as less than respectful. I do not believe it was worthy of a Buffalo News editorial.

Todd Mitchell

The Buffalo News: Everybody’s Column: Bass Pro opponents are poorly portrayed