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The two main themes of Wheaton's redevelopment plans — to help local businesses and to create a more attractive place for local residents to shop and socialize — do not seem very consistent to me.

Many of Wheaton's current businesses are more appropriate to a suburban industrial park than a functioning downtown. They supply things to other businesses or offer very specialized products; they don't address the recurring needs of local residents. If our goal is to help these businesses survive, then we don't need redevelopment, we need to let things deteriorate further to reduce rents.

Conversely, if our goal is to create a functioning downtown for local residents, then many current businesses will probably need to relocate and many new businesses will need to take their place.

It's unrealistic to try to achieve both of these goals at the same time.

Ed Puro, Wheaton