To the Journal editor:

Ishpeming has an opportunity to have a downtown National Historic District by accepting financial assistance from Lansing with no strings attached. The free help is offered because of the closing of the Empire Mine. This is an opportunity for state taxes to return to the Upper Peninsulla.

Lansing will provide an experienced expert to do the research and filing. Building owners will be offered 20 percent credit on restoration. This is an offer. Nothing will be forced. It will not impact others.

This is an opportunity to preserve, beautify, and improve the downtown for the citizens of Ishpeming. It will attract new businesses, people from neighboring cities and tourists to Ishpeming.

The decision on this opportunity will be made at the Feb. 8 meeting of the Ishpeming City Council. If you live in Ishpeming, will you please support his plan?

Mary Goloversic

Ishpeming