Reactions run the gamut on plans for downtown

Trust and skepticism, grief and elation. And everything in between.

Response to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' downtown redevelopment project was mixed this week, if feedback sent to the Deseret Morning News is any indication.

More than 80 readers, from Virginia to California and abroad, e-mailed the Morning News with their thoughts on the plans for Salt Lake City's downtown. Bishop H. David Burton, the church's presiding bishop, on Tuesday outlined the preliminary plans for the $1 billion-plus City Creek Center project, which includes 20 acres of retail, office, residential and green space.

Reader response ranged from unqualified praise and excitement to horror.

"Once again, the church is just like the lava from a volcano," wrote a reader named Joyce, who did not provide her last name. "It slowly takes over everything in its path. Temple Square was not enough; now they spread to the next block. Does anyone really think people will go downtown to shop and eat when there is nothing on Sunday? A lot of people do not spend all day in church on a Sunday, but the LDS Church does not care about any other religion, just its own. They are very selfish people."

Several readers said the church ought not to engage in for-profit ventures, while others said they thought it is attempting to build a "mini-Vatican City." Marsha Hall did not agree.

"I am personally very excited to see this happen," Hall wrote. "What a great, clean, family-oriented atmosphere it will bring. Maybe it will calm Rocky Anderson's rage. We need more peaceable things in life. We survived getting ready for the Olympics and look what great improvements came about because of it. I'm happy!"

Most responses, however, were of a more ... mixed variety.

"Designers finally got it right after listening to input from the community and its leaders — almost," wrote Chad Wasden. Like many readers, Wasden liked the mix of retail, work, residential and green space. And, like many readers, he mourned the proposed demolition of the Inn at Temple Square and the Deseret Building.

"The Inn at Temple Square and the First Security building should be treated as project assets, much like the Union Pacific centerpiece of the Gateway," Wasden wrote. "To claim they are only space holders for bigger, 'better' development is immensely short-sighted. These historic buildings contribute an urban charm that cannot be replaced or re-created. They are 'what's RIGHT with downtown.'