Support businesses along Broadway

To the editor:

Now that the construction on Broadway of a new entrance to Southeast Missouri State University is near completion, I wish to direct your attention to a serious point of consideration.

In the eyes of some taxpayers, this improvement is welcomed and necessary. However, there are at least 16 reasons this improvement was unnecessary and financially burdensome: Marvel & Legends Comics, A Different Drummer Tattoo and Body Piercing, Courtesy Cleaners, Kutters, The Pladium, Pagliai's Pizza and Pasta, Kerber Ech & Braechel, Global Trading, The California Juice Bar, Rhea Optical Co., Lincare Oxygen, Varsity Barber Shop, Imo's Pizza, Wille's Bakery, Future Fitness and Cafe Azu.

Due to the length of construction, some of these businesses -- if not all -- have suffered financial losses because customers were unable to get to them or greatly inconvenienced. Since Mayor Jay Knudtson and the university always wish to be in the limelight, how about the university reimburses businesses for losses than have incurred because the university and the mayor wish to have a more attractive entrance.

It is time to show some respect and appreciation to these businesses by providing them with financial help so they can regain their losses and re-establish a business relationship with their customers. Would we not do as much for the university?

At the very least, citizens of Cape Girardeau, let us all endure the inconveniences and patronize these worthy businesses.

LESTER M. WELLS, Cape Girardeau