To the editor:
Much as I love historic buildings, I find myself very comfortable with the prospect of losing the  Searles School building. Interior neglect and decay means that anyone trying to renovate it as it stands will be reduced to  preserving the outer  shell alone. This was a pedestrian design in the first place and not what one would usually deem “an architectural treasure.”
I look forward to having a luxury hotel which will bring tourists and business people to our town, customers to our merchants and, above all, much needed revenue to the town coffers.
I commend the planning board, the select board and the concerned townspeople who are all trying to make this project come out right.
Patricia Ryan
14 Oak St.
Great Barrington