(Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to Des Moines council members with a copy to the Times/News.)

As suggested by Councilmember Carmen Scott (Times/News, April 15) may I urge that NO changes be made in the Des Moines building height limit.

Unfortunate changes in the marina have severely hurt the maritime business in Des Moines and cost a substantial loss of tax revenue for the city.

I believe that it would be to the city's overall benefit to encourage new business with an emphasis based on the view from various points in the city and the maritime history of Des Moines.

At present there is substantial vacant land or substandard buildings in "downtown" Des Moines that can be capitalized upon or used and improved for higher quality maritime themes for the city. For example Seattle has a downtown Skid Row theme.

Higher buildings will only emphasize the WD 54 water shortage, require wider roads with the loss of parking and crime related to densely populated apartments and condos.

Up in the North Hill area our view is blocked by a new brown low budget condo built on the west side of First Avenue by Normandy Park. Widening of the road and construction of eyesores has destroyed much of Normandy Park's business base.

Let us not become another Bellevue!

Dan Caldwell
Des Moines