Middletown Journal Editor, 
 
Construction contractors are trying hard to use up the Middletown community 
block grant monies for their greedy endeavors when they don't even live here. 
They build (or demolish), take our money, and leave. I think the idea on the 
movie theatre needs to be evaluated carefully with reliable sources while 
processing statistical data about Middletown specific neighborhood needs. There 
are 7 neighborhoods in Middletown in desperate need of renovation and 
rehabilitation (Amanda/Oneida, Avalon, Mayfield (including Applewood), Oakland, 
Riverside, and South. The Renaissance neighborhood is not one that is in dire 
need. We have an extremely large number of families within the 7 neighborhoods 
that need attention in several different fronts facing crime, rehabilitation, 
demolition, home buying, and assets. I would prefer an investment strategy 
focused around these 7 neighborhoods be addressed, and the jobs issue addressed, 
before we look to build large new construction that will not generate enough 
revenue compared to the value that our PEOPLE and FAMILIES will get by obtaining 
a home, not being scared, and ability for those neighborhoods to walk to 
entertainment provided within walking distance. My personal preference would be 
a family centered approach for movies through the summer such as the drive-in 
where we have heritage and a entire family can go for a reasonable amount and 
small children can play on a playground, instead of the large ticket price of a 
new facility that will not come close to filling up. The ones ten miles away 
don't even fill up and they are in a much more dense population area than 
Middletown. Our focus needs to be on families. 
 
Elizabeth Darcy Martin - I live here, I care, and I am running for City Council.