Editor,

I fail to see the wisdom in the City of Langley’s reported desire [The Record, June 13] to sell the ideally located, historically relevant Second Street building known as the Old Firehouse that currently houses Callahan’s Firehouse Studio.

While I think highly of Callahan and his art works, would not a better option be to retain the talented artist/shopkeeper’s existing lease and keep the property in public hands? When one is in possession of a building that’s been called “the de-facto center of town” — a charming old building located on a beautiful downtown street that could at some time in the future function in many other public interest ways (a village gathering place, a meeting and events center, for example), I submit that the public’s best interest is to keep it. Hold it dear. Don’t let it go!

Like precious open space, once gone you can’t get it back. Many a small town likely would give its own mayor’s right arm to own such a jewel. So unless there is financial hardship in owning the building, I urge our council and mayor to keep possession of the grand old Langley firehouse, thereby keeping the public’s options open for many decades to come.

Sincerely,

SHAREN HEATH

Langley