Having read the article "Heritage concerns raised for Heyl's Corner'' in today's Royal Gazette, I would like to be included along with the National Trust in voicing my concern and objections to the proposed alteration to the historic building which presently houses The Irish Linen Shop.

Unfortunately, I have not taken the opportunity to study the City of Hamilton Plan. I do, however have very strong feelings for retaining the charm and characteristics of old buildings throughout the island, and these sentiments certainly extend to the City of Hamilton, where it is particularly important to preserve as many buildings as possible in their original form.

Please understand that I am talking about "preservation'' - not alterations to increase height (while still retaining the original design) or incorporating minor design changes to the exterior of these buildings. I have to say that I am unwavering in my convictions when it comes to seeing Hamilton's historic buildings preserved, regardless of location.

In this vein I would have to agree with the National Trust's environmental chairperson when she is quoted as having said "the application for renovations to The Irish Linen Shop made by the same firm of architects is a clear example of the domino effect that granting planning permission for the destruction of historic buildings will have in this area'' (the architects to which she refers, being involved in changes to the surrounding Pembroke Stores Development, which apparently have already received planning approval).

Some years ago while on a visit to Boston, I took a bus tour of the older section of the city where there were many brick buildings of an historic nature. At that particular time, I learned that the city fathers were making a great effort to attract more visitors to Boston. When I expressed my amazement that these old buildings had remained unaltered while, where I came from Bermuda was undergoing massive changes to its landscape, I was told by the bus driver "we don't allow changes like that here. Preserving the historical aspects of Boston is of far greater importance to us''.

Just a thought. Perhaps we could apply the same logic in our efforts toward attracting more visitors to our lovely island. I certainly hope so.

GERALD L YOUNG, Paget Afordable housing needed April 30, 2001 Dear Sir, Affordable housing is not getting any better. The fact is it's worse. We need the exempted companies but we need a `limit', so many and no more.

Right now we have locals tossing out people to put the rent up. We can only accommodate so many firms without depriving our own people of homes.

The Government and locals are only thinking of how much money they can get from these companies. It is Greed no doubt and what a price it's causing.

Minister of Housing, with all the taxes we are paying now, surely you can spare some of it for housing. People are desperate. There are buildings in St.

David's that the bases used for barracks empty.

Make them into small apartments or studios for young people. Put rules in place and a caretaker to see that they abide. So many young people getting married have no place to live.

The UBP did build a lot of houses all over Bermuda and now the PLP can talk less and move quickly. Nothing done at Morgan's Point why? Where is all our money going we are being taxed to the hilt and nothing for Seniors at all.

BERMUDIAN, Devonshire Stop noise pollution April 29, 2001 Dear Sir, The increasing traffic problem in Bermuda and extreme noise levels has become a major concern. We have the intense, high-pitched sound of the newer motorbikes creating a whining and deafening noise which can be likened to a 747 aircraft taking off.

Apparently, this noise cannot be measured at our Transport Control Department! Along with this, we have emergency vehicles with screaming sirens and fire trucks that have reverberating horns that can be heard from one end of the island to the other! Perhaps I am getting old as I remember seeing the movie "City Stickers'', featuring comedian Billy Crystal. He bewilders a classroom of children when he says: "Value this time in your life, kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices. It goes by so fast.'' "When you are a teenager, you think you can do anything and you do. Your 20s are a blur.

Thirties you raise your family, you make a little money, and you think to yourself: "What happened to my 20s?'' "Forties, you grow a little pot belly, you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud, one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Fifties, you have a minor surgery -- you call it a procedure, but it's a surgery.

"Sixties, you'll have major surgery, the music is still loud, but it doesn't matter because you can't hear it anyway. Seventies, you and the wife retire to Fort Lauderdale.

"You start eating dinner at two in the afternoon, you have lunch around ten, breakfast the night before, spend most of your time wandering around malls looking for the ultimate soft yogurt and muttering, "How come the kids don't call?'' How come the kids don't call?' "The 80s, you'll have a major stroke, and you end up babbling with some nurse who your wife can't stand.'' The point to this letter is a challenge to the community! 1. People in charge of importing motorcycles need to be held more accountable by strict noise standards.

2. The Transport Department should work with these businesses to achieve a more peaceful environment.

3. We encourage people to join The Hamilton Rotary Club's Considerate Drivers Club. Stickers are available at the banks, Transport Control and DeFontes Television.

4. And finally...don't get old! W.A. (TOPPY) COWEN Paget Access at South Princess April 28, 2001 Dear Sir, I recently made inquiries into whether the major renovations at the Fairmont Southampton Princess would include making the main dining room accessible for wheelchairs.

I was very disappointed to learn that in spite of the millions of dollars spent on renovations that accessibility to the main dining room would not be included.

Neither my father nor I along with members of our family will be dining there again.

DISILLUSIONED Warwick