The Atrium's back like a bad fashion trend!
OPINION: This article reflects the author's opinion, not tied to the publication
Don’t we all have cringe moments when we look at fashion anywhere from 1965 to 1985?
Remember leisure suits? 100% polyester plastic pieces of trash that easily caught fire. Parachute pants?
It seems the two things the City of Hutchinson has that make its own people cringe are any updates on the Woodie Seat Freeway and the horrible, blighted, asbestos-filled eyesore formerly known as the Atrium Hotel.
First off, Woodie Seat. When I heard the freeway that connects my part of town (South Hutch) was reopened to the public, I jumped for joy. In fact, when I went to get gas in Hutch, I literally drove out of my way to take the freeway. Twice.
Isn’t it nice not to have potholes that are so large they change your radio station? At least south of Avenue C. Kudos to the city for doing what they can to help that freeway. I understand it’s horribly expensive and inefficient to repair highways, especially with budget constraints and concerns about the highway.
On the other hand, the Atrium is a building that we all know and love tolerate. I think it’s about time the city took action on the building. As we are building a new replacement to the Atrium, it’s important to clean up our mess, or rather the developer’s mess, and make our city look presentable.
Cleaning up the eyesore along the K-61 corridor is essential for creating a good impression for visitors or those wanting to live here.
There is a public hearing that will likely be scheduled to take place at city hall on August 20 at 9 a.m.
If you want to be heard on this issue that is important to all Hutchonians, be present at the meeting. Even if you are not comfortable to speak, it’s important that you be present to show your opinion on the issue.
As for my opinion, there is only one true option.
Tear down this wall/hotel! - President Ronald Reagan/Michael Glenn
The City must hold the owner of the property accountable. That’s it.
At the public hearing, I encourage the council members to listen to those who are concerned and vote accordingly in the future. It’s time we help get rid of the hotel and move on as a city. The only way is by taking official action, which needs to be considered after the hearing on August 20.
Michael Glenn is the publisher of The Hutchinson Tribune and can be reached at mglenn@hutchtribune.com