JournalStar.com

Readers criticize arena design

By Victoria Ayotte Brown / Lincoln Journal Star
Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 12:20:04 am CDT
1 By at least 2 to 1, JournalStar.com readers were critical of the arena and hotel/convention center planning. The story about the Scott brothers’ selection as developers of the arena hotel/convention center brought in 103 published comments, and a follow-up story had 47 published comments. Many criticized the look of the arena design, even though the Scott team won’t be designing the arena; instead it will design the hotel/convention center. Readers called the design a barn, aircraft hanger, fieldhouse and tractor shed.

“If there was truly anyone left in Lincoln actually excited about this idea, one can hope the mediocrity of the plans has brought them back to earth,” Lincoln is below average commented.

But there were some proponents: “It is time for Pershing to be retired before it begins to fall down,” Excited for Lincoln said. “If this can take off, it will be fabulous of our area! I will gladly help pay for something that will give Lincoln a brighter future.”

2 Neighbors near schools frustrated by students; 76 comments published.

Readers were alternately outraged at the students’ smoking and littering or indignant that homeowners would complain about the problem because they chose to buy a house near a high school.

“The homeowners have a right to not be trampled on,” Doug wrote. “Pick up after yourselves and treat people with respect.”

April commented: “You purchased a house by a high school! Did you not know it was there when you purchased your house? With all the issues schools are dealing with these days, is this really important? It is time to move on and find another hobby other than looking out your front window.”

3 Inmate sues over missing porn; 65 comments published.

Most posters felt inmates should not have access to pornography and furthermore should not be able to sue when their magazines are missing.

“Why are people who commit such horrible crimes allowed to have any rights?” Pat asked. “Does pornography help rehabilitate them and make them better citizens? I believe in equal rights, but a person committing a felony should lose them.”

Uhoh wrote: “Does that mean I can sue my wife for throwing my magazines out?”

4 Lincoln police to try out Segways; 46 comments published.

As usual, JournalStar.com commenters were pretty critical. This time, they panned the plan to try Segways in northeast Lincoln later this week.

“ What about the bicycles? They work just fine and are pretty easy to ride,” Copper said. “I don’t see the need here! We are in a recession and need to cut back.”

But Big Chief wrote: “The Segway could be a good deal. Some advantages: The officer would be above the crowd just enough to see more that is going on.”

5 More gas stations cheating; 42 comments published.

Commenters demanded to know which stations are cheating drivers by charging extra for regular but only providing ethanol.

“I own a food and alcohol business, and when I have random health inspections, all of the data collected is public knowledge,” business Owner wrote. “How on earth can people lie about what they are selling you, yet we in the public don’t know what stations are doing this. I think it needs to be made public, so we can choose where to buy our gas.”

GasMiser said: “You mean, the only punishment they get is that their pumps are shut down until they correct the problem? This is criminal! They should be cited at the very least, and those found responsible for collusion should be cited as well.”

Reach Victoria Ayotte Brown at vayotte@journalstar.com or 473-7338.