Editor:
I have read with interest and approval the articles about the City of Cortez’s desire to improve the city entrances with signage in the medians to reflect the history, beauty and diversity of the area at large. I think they will be very nice when completed. In a way, though, it seems to be throwing good money after bad as visitors coming from the south must first run the gauntlet of blighted and derelict private properties that line Highway 160/South Broadway before they even reach Cortez.
It was heartening to hear that the Montezuma County commissioners at one time were entertaining clean-up opportunities via a brownfields process that could effect the blight now detracting from Cortez and the reputation of the entire county. And it was disappointing to hear objections that shut down the conversation before options for working with property owners could be considered. I would like to ask the Montezuma County commissioners to please take another look at how resources can be used to encourage property owners — with reasonable clout — to get their acts together. We are proud to live in Montezuma County and want it to shine.
Joyce L. Lawrence
Dolores