I read the article, “Bank Street to be reduced to one lane starting next week,” (July 22), and I agree New London is lacking in a cycling infrastructure but what the article didn't address is two major problems with downtown that I am amazed the city still apparently isn't aware of, one is the horrible condition of the streets in the downtown area fill with sunken patches and uneven utility cuts. The roads are actually just a continuous patch job. And more importantly the creepy dark nature of the downtown area. Streets are scary dark and building fronts are unlit. If you wanted to have a scary Halloween theme for your downtown, New London has definitely achieved that.

Light up the downtown! It's not a complicated solution. Put lights in the downtown area! I've been saying this for years and I'm not the only one who notices this. I've been walking down the street and was startled by some creeper hanging in a darkened doorway.

While you’re at it, if you don't have one, create a tough blight ordinance. Either fix up and rent your building or the city will cease it and sell it to someone who will. It's time to wake up and look around. Why nobody can see these obvious problems is mind boggling.

Stephen Johnson

New London