I think it’s a huge mistake to remove the gum wall [“Pike Place Market’s gum wall getting scrub down, fresh start,” Local News, Nov. 4]. The reasons cited for this in The Seattle Times are not serious or compelling. Corrosion of the bricks? Give me a break.
Please lend your support to an intervention with the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority. It’s like removing the Blarney Stone; it’s a most unique tourist attraction that has taken years to develop.
I am a local 70-year-old living on Second Avenue. The residents of our building have been very supportive of the market over the years. We currently have a fundraiser in progress within our building for the market. Many of my neighbors have voiced the same objection about the gum wall.
My wife and I delight in showing our out-of-town visitors this attraction. Perhaps remove gum from walls around the corner … but not the original walls.