Apparently what downtown Rochester "really" needs is more high-end retail shops and apartments ("The Designers' Downtown"and "High Falls Charts Its Own Developmental Course," January 24). I'm shocked that I haven't realized this sooner myself. Just one small question: Where are all these people with thousands of dollars burning a hole in their pocket, desperately searching for upscale Italian products or a more expensive apartment?

I have not yet met any in Rochester. I have, on the other hand, met many qualified young professionals, with degrees, working two to three low-paying jobs not even in their field, trying to scrape by. I have met a lot of 20-somethings drowning in student debt.

I have sadly said goodbye to more than one good friend, not because they want to leave, but because they can actually make a decent life for themselves and their families elsewhere.

Of course, people from the suburbs no doubt will come to Midtown by the droves, brave the "dangerous" downtown area, pay to park their SUVs or Hummers on the street, and face homeless people they are afraid of on their way inside. All this so they can buy some authentic Italian trinkets when they could simply drive 5 minutes to Eastview, park free, and buy whatever their hearts desire.

Right. I forgot about all of them.

The only way I see all these "developments" affecting me is possibly driving up the rent on my tiny apartment even more as the amount of affordable housing continues to shrink.

Thanks. This really fails to provide a good incentive for young people, like my husband and me, to stay and raise their families in Rochester. Then again, maybe we will have to stay because my son will love prosciutto so much.

Courtney Scharf, South Goodman Street, Rochester