LETTER- Safety first-- fix the bricks

Thank you for the fine article, "Downtown showdown" [cover story, Jun 26], by Dave McNair. 

My question is what difference do the pattern and size of brick make?  So little of the bricks can be seen because of vendors, building and re-building sites closed off, and outdoor chairs and tables.

One has only to walk on the new bricks set in sand on Third Street between East Main and Market Streets to feel the pleasure of safe walking.

Dozens of people have fallen on East Main Street in the 18 years I've lived on East Jefferson and Third Streets. I have twice fallen after tripping on broken bricks downtown. Children running to the Discovery Museum have fallen.

In addition, it's dangerous to have any automobile crossing the Downtown Mall. The most important issue is safety. 

E. Mary Martin
Charlottesville

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