Likes downtown the way it is

In his article of Sept. 28, Moorpark City Councilmember Van Dam claimed that "instigators (those responsible for encouraging citizens to show up and voice their concerns about eminent domain) should examine the negative impact they have had on every resident of Moorpark, especially those who live in the downtown neighborhoods."

I'd like to address his claims of misconceptions and mistruths that contribute to that negativity and divisiveness, especially those of his own.

Mr. Van Dam, you continually want to "misguide" the public into believing that a vote in favor of eminent domain is not about the stripping away of our Fifth Amendment right to own property, including businesses and commercial, but about graffiti, gangs and crime.

You didn't even mention those residents who spoke passionately against eminent domain's power to take small businesses and commercially owned businesses. How about those residents who live in commercially zoned areas and the city confirmed that those homes would not be safe from eminent domain?

The city also confirmed that they would not guarantee that homes that were currently in residentially zoned areas could not be rezoned commercial at a later time, if needed. Yet you continually mislead the public by stating that no homes were ever part of the eminent domain power of authority.

Separate and apart from the eminent domain issue, it is a mistruth to continually describe our town as "plagued with graffiti," filled with "gangs, crime, truancy and blight." This fear mongering only serves to discourage residents who live outside the downtown area into not wanting to even go near downtown, much less to shop. Your continued implication that downtown residents condone not only the graffiti but the act itself is absolutely insulting, disturbing and destructive.

The truth is that downtown Moorpark is and has been a safe place, a wonderful place to visit and shop.

I have lived in Moorpark for over 45 years, and this is my town you are describing. Not only do I not appreciate your comments, I am downright offended by them.

Although I currently live in the Campus Park area, I would jump at the chance to buy property in the downtown area and return living there. I love the fact that the homes are not cookie cutter homes. Downtown is a special place where neighbors know everybody and everything about your family's history. Each neighborhood throughout this city has its own distinct way of uniting together- so does downtown.

I am relieved to read that you admitted that you "could have done a better job in keeping the residents informed as to what the truth was and is."

Councilmember Van Dam, I agree that "it is this attitude (yours) that will keep Moorpark a city that is united only by its city boundaries and nothing else" and you can now take some responsibility for that. Susie Vasquez Moorpark