Editorials / Opinion

Seattle Times letters to the editor

The Space Needle is a Seattle icon

Drive the southbound I-5 corridor anytime in the evening, rain or shine, and what stands out? The most amazing view of the Space Needle surrounded by the lights of the city. It is iconic. It is beautiful and it is Seattle.

When we first read about impending decisions regarding the use of the surrounding real estate, my family’s first reaction was concern about the view of the Needle [“Needle, Needle, who’ll see the Needle?” NWMonday, March 11].

No matter how many times we drive that section, the anticipation, the pleasure of seeing the Needle and the feeling of civic pride remain. It is definitely a “wait for it” moment.

I remember being impressed by the information that city planners had stipulated the view of the Space Needle should remain unencumbered. What has changed? Have we gotten so greedy that we should “kill the golden goose”?

What a disaster it would be for Seattleites and visitors alike if the premier icon of the Northwest is no longer to be a visual feast.

–Saudia Yhann, Renton