In the article by Lee Howard (The Day, Nov. 2), “Hotel envisioned for downtown development,” Mayor Passero, in referring to the alleged proposed development of the former Citizens Bank and Day building on Eugene O'Neill Drive is quoted as saying, " ... you have to pinch yourself to believe it's real." May I ask what Mayor Passero means by "it's?" I assume that the conceptual drawings are real, although it appears from the article that only the mayor and Felix Reyes have seen them. But what else about this development that the mayor seems so excited about are in any way "real" or tangible? Formal plans? None submitted yet. Number of apartments and retail spaces? Unknown at this time. Specifics on the project? Not available. Type of restaurant? No one knows. The article ends with the mayor saying that High Tide Capital, the developer, has " ... a great vision." I hope something useful and vibrant and meaningful can be done with the properties. But, at this time, the "great vision" the mayor attributes to High Tide Capital regarding its plans for the Eugene O'Neill properties looks pretty blurry to me. When more specifics are made known, we can better assess whether the plans are realistic, do-able and in the best interests of the City of New London. Until then, a bit less cheerleading for the developer by the mayor may be in order.

Frank Francisconi

New London