I enjoyed reading Char Crawford’s comments (Oct. 7: Proud to be a Kenmore resident) and echo her appreciation of all the exciting improvements and changes that Kenmore has undergone in the last 13 years. But, it is not enough and not fast enough.

My husband and I moved to Kenmore 11 years ago after buying our home in the Kenmore Terrace neighborhood. We love it here and when we moved in, we were so excited about all the development plans that were communicated to us way back then — in 2000!  But the fact that the Kenmore Village by the Lake has never materialized is quite disappointing. I don’t really understand why our poor economy is used as the major excuse for this especially when there seems to be so much money to build a new City Hall, new library, street improvements, new fire department but there is no money/investment available to build commercial/community investments such as restaurants, shops and retail outlets.

Our economy can support this and this is the time to build. Interest rates are low, there are plenty of unemployed workers needing jobs, construction companies are hungry for business… what are we waiting for? Let’s make it happen now!

I couldn’t agree more with Char’s comment, “Just waiting for the day when Kenmore Village by the Lake becomes a hub of restaurants, shops and stores of all sizes — a true city center where we can eat, shop, meet friends and neighbors and welcome visitors.” I keep waiting for that day, too, and until then — I’ll keep going to Lake Forest Park Commons, Juanita Village Shopping Center or downtown Edmonds to spend my money. What a shame!

Gail Hilderbrand, Kenmore