To the editor:

Seems the latest controversy in downtown Winslow is local merchants taking advantage of the new wider sidewalks by putting sale items and dining tables outside on them. The naysayers complain about the mess and impeded foot traffic.

Personally, I like the sidewalk sales, displays and tables. It makes for a unique, friendly shopping and dining experience. It means Winslow caters to pedestrians and not cars.

Tourists spend the big bucks to go to Europe to sit in the sidewalk cafes of Paris and other cities. Why complain when we have the same thing here at home? Winslow is a real downtown with great landscaping, hanging baskets, benches, art and plenty of pedestrians.

If you want wide unimpeded (and boring) shopping go to any of the ubiquitous malls or the wide ails of Walmart. I’ll take the hustle, bustle and chaos of downtown Winslow every time. Also a big thank you to Town & Country for staying downtown. I will gladly endure the temporary remodeling and continue to shop there.

GARY PETTERSEN

Bainbridge Island