In his eight column-inches of a letter, on 29 February, William E. Putnam provided a history of “rural lifestyle.” Mr. Putnam is a member of the Grand Junction Planning Commission. Six of those inches were his interpretation of history. The last two inches were, in my interpretation, a very condescending dig at those who have recently complained about higher densities in rural areas. His definition of this “lifestyle“ is: “low residential density and narrow roads without curbs, gutters and sidewalks.”

His advice to those who decry the addition of higher density housing in the midst of a low-density area is that you must explain, to the “governing bodies,” [Planning Commission, City Council] that you really do desire “narrow roads without curbs gutters and sidewalks.” Thus, he says: “With these preferences clearly expressed, governing bodies could decide whether or not particular densities are the best choices for the community as a whole.” Good grief!

Now, if my interpretation is incorrect, we need a few more column-inches of explanation.

CREIGHTON BRICKER
Grand Junction

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