Dear Nik:

My name is Jamie Baird, and I am one of your constituents, as well I
voted for you to be my alderman!  I am unable to attend the December
13th meeting as I cannot leave work early, so I am sending a few words
to you.  I do not need to repeat the concise and legal reasons laid
out by Ms.Opgenorth as to why it would be a travesty in many ways to
approve the Marriott development.  I do not disparage thoughtful and
needed development.  I do object to the decisions made by the Historic
Preservation Commission being overturned lightly.  A strong sense of
history and an beautiful downtown are two things I love about
Milwaukee.  I work Downtown and I live in Riverwest.  I am committed
to my community, to supporting local businesses and preservation,
restoration and re-purposing whenever possible.  I support a healthy,
vibrant, multi-layered Downtown Milwaukee, one that is attractive to
residents and tourists.  One that supplies a well-rounded mix of
commerce, industry and entertainment.  Gutting that particular corner
would remove more than just concrete and stone, it would remove a
significant portion of Milwaukee's heart and soul, a portion of our
individuality, a portion of what makes us Milwaukee, and not an
overdeveloped, generic, bloated ticky tacky facade passing as a
relevant, competitive, individualist city.

I implore you to uphold the educated and reasoned decision by the
Historic Preservation Commission, to trust their judgment and function
and focus and do not award a Certificate of Appropriateness for the
demolition of 319-325 E. Wisconsin Ave., 327 E. Wisconsin Ave., 625 N.
Milwaukee, 627 N. Milwaukee, 629-631 N. Milwaukee, 633 N. Milwaukee.

Sincerely,
Jamie Baird