Some Skepticism About Motives
According to Jeffrey Palmer, a vice president at Columbia Savings, the historic Beverly Theatre on Wilshire Boulevard needs to be reinforced against earthquakes and to have its asbestos removed (Times, Jan. 24). Instead, Columbia Savings, the theater’s owner, intends to rip it down and “start all over again” by putting up an office building. In defense of that intention, Palmer is quoted as saying: “We are cognizant of culture, but our overriding consideration is in safety and health.”
I had originally believed that Columbia Savings’ overriding consideration was profit. How cynical of me. It is gratifying that someone is out there fighting for culture and the common good.
DANIEL S. HINERFELD
Los Angeles
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