I was pleased to see the article regarding the opposition to SLO Brew’s expansion in your Aug. 7 edition. I am not opposed to their moving, but I do agree with Save Our Downtown about changing the ambience of the creek and downtown area. I just moved to the downtown area and am really pleased there are so many great places to eat, but I did do a double-take at all the bars and locations with alcohol and that seems to be their main emphasis, not the friendly, family-oriented SLO that I remember, especially from the ’60s and early ’70s.

Many storefronts that were once interesting and vibrant shops are now bars or combination bars and restaurants. I think we may be going in the wrong direction if we turn the area over to just a college crowd or one that is only concerned with drinking. I think the City Council should rethink and look into the future for the image that they want the world to have about our wonderful town.

Think about how close all this is to the Mission and what we try to portray in that area. I have always loved SLO Brew in the old brick building. I hope there is acompromise that works to keep our downtown inviting.