Des Moines Reader Joelle White wrote a letter to the editor supporting a U of W student's idea about the "blue house" located at the entrance to Beach Park.

White writes the city should buy that house and use the property for more public parking. (Safety before Serpent -Des Moines News, 8.20.2008)

First, many years ago the City of Des Moines did buy that blue house and property. The sellers can live there for their lifetime, if they wish.

Second, more public parking is not, in my opinion, the highest and best use for this pristine one-of- a-kind property. Both the Des Moines Marina Master Plan and U of W students Storefront Study offer other alternatives.

The sea serpent idea seems to be catching-on with much public enthusiasm.

So, providing the city council eventually gives it the go ahead, it's not likely that fascinating critter would be aced out by a blue house.

Safety is always a high-priority concern.

Earline Byers

Des Moines