Broadway Theatres

The threat to the Broadway theaters (August 21) stems from the loss of vision and purpose in our city government and the Community Redevelopment Agency (“L.A.’s Grand Old Broadway Theaters,” by Dan Sullivan, Aug. 21).

Many years ago, some far-sighted leadership established the CRA to build a core downtown for Los Angeles. Those officials acted with vision and purpose and succeeded. Though a favorite object for attack, the CRA kept downtown Los Angeles from going the way of most cities in the East and from becoming another Santa Ana, with a court house and little else.

The Broadway theaters are unique resources of downtown, just like the Broadway theaters in New York. One could not economically build them today. They are first rate facilities and should function as such.

Today, however, the CRA shows little vision and purpose. Revitalization of these theaters could tremendously advance the goal of the CRA to build a downtown for this city worthy of the economic role of this city in the world.

The City and the CRA should recommit itself to its original mission and provide the leadership to turn the Broadway theaters into what they should be.

B. CLARK JR.

Los Angeles