I recently read Vanessa Notman's column, "Unique feel of small downtown spots replaced with corporations" (SN 3/23), regarding the takeover of downtown East Lansing hangouts by franchises and corporate restaurants, and I must say, this was to be expected.

I agree, nothing is more kitschy than an urban space that is overrun by turnkey operations serving bland food and an even more bland atmosphere.

However, because we are in a democratic-capitalist society, the dollar votes for and dictates what stays and what goes. As long as these places remain popular, they won't leave.

This is not to say it is the franchises' fault either. By shipping students (and their money) farther north and discouraging students from living near downtown East Lansing, the choices that will remain are going to have to be as common as possible.

One part of Notman's column that I don't agree with is saying that we "could be anywhere. California. New York. Colorado."

Whenever I have visited these places, I have never set foot inside of a chain restaurant. As a matter of fact, part of what made those places so memorable was the outstanding cuisine and the unique places that they were, not the fact that I was getting full for less than five dollars.

David Boland
economics senior