For Good of Ojai

I found the article concerning the closing of the Ojai Bowling Alley for a Payless store very disconcerting. As a society, we cannot remove limited entertainment mediums for a community and then complain about graffiti, gang problems or juvenile hooliganism.

I drove through Ojai recently and noticed that the Bank of America building was still vacant. It could serve as a more central location for a possible Payless-type store, in walking distance for most seniors.

I would keep the Ojai Bowling Alley and improve the facility by adding a skateboarding section to the oft-empty parking lot.

The powers that be need to think about constructive ways to keep our good kids good instead of destructive planning that will erode their sensibilities and increase the possibility of gang or related negative activities.

Ojai needs another example of mindless consumerism like we need another weather station orb.

ALLEN ROBERT CARROZZA

Ojai