I agree with Bonnie McGrath (Gambling against the South Loop, June 30) that gambling is an all-around bad idea/deal. Specifically, as it preys on the more economically challenged population, will only add low paying jobs with little advancement, promote crime, dramatically increase traffic congestion and be profitable for only a select few while being a breeding ground for corruption.

My more direct problem with Bonnie McGrath is she is addressing this all-encompassing bad idea (gambling) only from a self-serving perspective as “keep it away from her and her neighbors near Dearborn Park.”

Of course it’s their right to not want a casino as I wouldn’t want it at the Michael Reese location which is closer to my home. But it amazes me that a group of people can be so quick to negate an idea for a vacant parcel of land that’s been vacant for what a decade. I wonder have Dearborn Park and Printers Row residents, local community groups been lobbying the city, alderman with other ideas for that parcel of land? I’d love to hear what ideas they’ve had that they’ve presented to the alderman which have been either considered or dismissed.

It’s easy to cast aside ideas from others but much harder to come up with your own and be strong enough to put them out there for consumption, criticism and debate.

I who do not live near that location but absolutely consider it my neighborhood have thought about what would work there. I don’t want it vacant. I want the South Loop to grow and be vibrant.

How about a combination office space, hotel, residential, retail? Let’s draw in a corporation with tax incentives for starters. Views of the river/downtown with a nice green space/park for their workers and the public at large. Take a canoe ride for lunch! How about one of the hospitality or entertainment industry corporations, that can bring a hotel, its corporate offices, restaurants, maybe an entertainment center with bowling alley, rock climbing, pool tables etc. This would bring jobs, tax revenue and increase demand for residential properties/apartment dwellers. That’s only one idea. I’m sure there are many others…

It’s our neighborhood why don’t we — especially those living nearest and most affected — take control of their own destiny. Be proactive not reactive.