A different marketplace

Dear Editor:Recently, a friend and I were discussing the Crystal River Market Place development being proposed. I suggested that we find other alternatives to Home Depot, especially because of the bad publicity recently (MSN Money, 3/7/07, “Is Home Depot shafting shoppers?”).Home Depot’s fourth-quarter earnings plunged 28 percent, due mostly to the downturn in the housing market. Lowe’s fourth-quarter earnings dropped 12 percent. A Cabellas or REI store was suggested in place of a Home Depot. I think it makes a lot of sense because it will cater to the outdoor recreational theme Carbondale wants to retain. Has anyone thought of contacting one of these stores? Just a thought.P.S.: I would love to see a Whole Foods there along with an affordable soup/sandwich shop.Melissa WatersCarbondale