Tag Archives: city planning

Two Bricklynites holding banner that says: "Pause Data Centers?"

Does a Moratorium on Data Centers Make Sense for Bricklyn?

➤ Note from the Editor: We have invited Professor Emerita Lisa Plater Larsen to provide her thoughts on the data center moratorium resolution soon to be considered by the Bricklyn Federal Council. See our prior reporting on the proposed resolution.

Bricklyn Eagle masthead

December 1, 2025
by Lisa Plater Larsen

A Lego figurine of a woman with gray hair and glasses, sitting at a desk, writing on a notepad. Next to her is a book titled 'Does Bricklyn Still Need a Mayor-King?'
Credit: Ann Tiler Anderson, with help from GPT-4o AI.

Lisa Plater Larsen is Professor Emerita of Political Science at Bricklyn University.

She is the author of Does Bricklyn Still Need a Mayor-King? (2025) and The Role of the League of Inland Cities in Shaping Trade Policy (2022). Both books are available from The Bricklyn University Press.

The Bricklyn Federal Council has been asked to enact a two-year moratorium on the approval of any new data center. Does such a pause make sense? — or is it simply a tactic being used by those who stand in the way of economic development or fear the spread of artificial intelligence technology?

Data centers present both opportunities and challenges for Bricklyn. They could meet the growing needs and opportunities of our realm’s businesses, with resulting economic benefits. Yet they would also need copious amounts of energy to operate (with resulting environmental impacts), as well as large tracts of land for the massive structures they require. Data centers have the potential to alter the character of our neighborhoods, as well as our treasured open spaces.  

An aerial view of a large data center building surrounded by open land, with sunset lighting creating a warm glow in the background.
The Google Data Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in aerial photo taken on Feb. 18, 2017. The facility has since been expanded and is over 2.9 million square feet in size. It is staffed by 130 employees.
 Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

Data centers have also undergone changes in recent years, becoming larger and more focused on handling the boom in demand for artificial intelligence. As Microsoft has recently noted, “we have introduced a wave of purpose-built data centers and infrastructure investments we are making around the world to support the global adoption of cutting-edge AI workloads and cloud services.” See the photo below from the Microsoft post just linked to.

Aerial view of Microsoft's new AI datacenter campus in Mt Pleasant, Wisconsin, showcasing large buildings and numerous cooling units.
Mr. Burns & Waylon Smithers in nuclear power plant control room.
Photo of Waylon J. Smithers (left) and C. Montgomery Burns (right) in control room of Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. Along with David Plater Broffman, CEO of Dunk Them Donuts, they reached a secret agreement with Bricklyn Mayor-King Spiro Brickburger to construct a nuclear power plant in Bricklyn. Photo obtained by The Bricklyn Eagle; and developed with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

The surfacing last year of a “secret” 2019 nuclear agreement — a document that tied the relocation of the Simpson family and friends to the construction of Bricklyn’s first nuclear power plant at the Fairgrounds and Riverside Park — has also understandably left many Bricklynites shaken
— not simply because the plant would have been located along a valued recreational stretch of the Brickooski River, but because so few in Bricklyn knew such a commitment had ever been made.

When government action touches our community in such a significant way, transparency is not optional, it is essential.

It is against this backdrop that the debate here in Bricklyn over a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development has emerged. Though the two issues — nuclear power plants and data centers — differ in substance, they share a common thread: the need for thoughtful, fact-based policies that will better guide and inform decision-making.

Two Lego figures holding a sign that reads 'PAUSE DATA CENTERS?' in a grassy field.

A moratorium is not, as some suggest, a declaration of hostility toward the business community or toward progress. It is a pause — a civic deep breath you might call it — that will give the Federal Council the time to consider fundamental questions such as:

What energy sources and infrastructure would be required to support data centers, and who would pay for it?

What performance standards would best ensure that a new data center does not have adverse impacts on the environment or on nearby neighborhoods?

How would data centers relate to the realm’s long-term goals for the use of industrial parcels?

Would it be desirable, or even possible, to co-locate a new data center with a new nuclear power plant?

… and perhaps the most challenging question:

A lively office scene featuring LEGO characters at work, with two characters holding coffee cups, one character engaging with a computer, and a doughnut on the table.
ChatGPT’s offices in Bricklyn. Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.

Do we desire to impose any limitations on the use of artificial intelligence technologies — and what impacts would such limitations have?

A short-term moratorium can provide us with the opportunity to focus on these and other questions, and allow the Federal Council to develop policies based on sound information and input from all interested Bricklynites.

Yes, a moratorium will result in delay. But it will be a pause that gives us the chance to refresh how we deal with controversial new technologies — foremost among them artificial intelligence — before making commitments we may long regret. ✥

A colorful cartoon-style illustration depicting the head of an eagle made from building blocks, with a blue background and various colored circular pieces underneath.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: Hello, Walt — couldn’t agree more that important questions need to be investigated and answered before the building of a gynormous modern day power plant.  I grew up in a place and lived as a young adult in a place filled with chemical and other factories.  One day, the stench was so bad that we called the plant most likely to be the culprit and asked what the hell were they making there.  Rates of cancer in industrial hubs were unacceptably high. 

Yes, jobs did disappear as many factories went elsewhere, but I don’t think government made much of an effort to be of service.  So …. go slow with these modern day power monoliths and study the impact they will have on humans, the environment, sound levels, etc.  As detailed in the article, questions about impact abound and must be explored as well as others that may arise as the studies continue. — Pat D., Burlington, VT.

To the Editor: Professor Larsen appears to want to leave Bricklyn in the dust, falling far behind other Inland communities in advancing artificial intelligence. Given the pace of developments with this technology, a delay of two years while Bricklyn officials try to sort things out is really the equivalent of what two decades used to be. Let’s get a data center built and then learn as we go. — Kevin B. Campbell, Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: I have a message for Bricklyn elected officials that many Bricklynites share: WE DON’T WANT A GIANT DATA CENTER AND WE DON’T WANT ANY MORE AI !! — Ellen B. Richardson, Bricklyn Jct., VT.

To the Editor: Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are going to have a profound and transformative impact on our country and the entire world. The question is not whether these technologies will advance. They will. The question is: Who will control this technology? Who will benefit from it? And who will be left behind?

Let me be clear: If we do not act, AI, automation and robotics could be devastating for the working class. Last month, I released a report showing that these technologies could replace nearly 100 million jobs in America over the next decade . …

Here is the bottom line: AI and robotics are revolutionary and transformative technologies. They must benefit all of us, not just a handful of billionaires. We do not simply need a more “efficient” society — we need a more just, humane and democratic society where people live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. — U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Burlington, VT.
— Above comments excerpted from email received by Outland Liaison to Bricklyn, Wayne Senville, from Senator Sanders.

Bricklyn Federal Council member Bob Senbrick

Federal Council Member Calls for Two-Year Moratorium on New Data Centers

Bricklyn Eagle masthead

November 28, 2025

by Mark Tiler Richmond, Politics & Law Reporter and Paul B. Macro, Business & Economics Reporter

The simmering debate over new data centers in Bricklyn heated up this week when Bob Senbrick, a senior member of the Bricklyn Federal Council, announced that at the December 15th Council meeting he will introduce a resolution calling for a two-year moratorium on the construction of any new data centers within the Realm of Bricklyn.

Senbrick’s resolution cites concerns about “highly energy-intensive facilities capable of placing substantial and sustained demands on electric transmission and distribution systems,” and urges the Realm to conduct a comprehensive study before permitting new facilities.

A Lego figure sitting at a desk holding a newspaper titled 'DATA CENTER RESOLUTION', surrounded by books and a small potted plant.
Federal Council member Bob Senbrick. Credit: Bricklyn Eagle photographer Ann Tiler Anderson, with assist from Dall E3 AI.

“Why a Two-Year Pause?” — Councilor Senbrick Responds

Reached in his office, Senbrick explained his reasoning: “Data centers are arriving much faster than our transmission upgrades, our water resource planning, and our municipal regulations. A two-year pause will give us the time we need to do this right, with sound planning.”

When asked whether the resolution was anti-technology, Senbrick replied: “I’m not anti-technology, and I’m not against innovation. What’s more, the resolution does not seek to block the use of artificial intelligence. What the resolution does aim to do is ensure that our digital infrastructure remain strong, sustainable, and powered responsibly. If we don’t set clear standards now — on energy consumption, cooling methods, noise, and sensible siting of these huge data centers — we risk long-term problems that can’t easily be undone.

KCUR Headline on data center moratorium
Screenshot from KCUR web site.

“We won’t be the first community to adopt a moratorium on the permitting of data centers,” Senbrick added, noting that “it’s a step that several U.S. cities and counties have taken, including St. Charles, Missouri, LaGrange, Georgia, and Johnson County, Iowa, among others.”

Bricklyn Business Community Raises Red Flags

The Bricklyn Eagle spoke with Tom Brickorti, Director of the Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce, who expressed concern over the proposed moratorium.

Tom Brickorti of the Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce
Tom Brickorti. From Bricklyn Eagle archives.

“We appreciate Bob Senbrick’s long-time role on the Federal Council, but the message he’ll be sending to the business community with this moratorium will have a chilling impact on economic growth and on our reputation as a place where businesses can thrive.” 

Brickorti added that “businesses want predictability, not uncertainty — and uncertainty is exactly what adoption of this resolution will create.”

While Brickorti acknowledged that data centers do bring “legitimate infrastructure questions,” he emphasized that “those concerns can be handled through our existing zoning provisions and utility regulation procedures.” What’s more, Brickorti noted, “a new data center will likely generate as many as 90 permanent jobs, not to mention many more to construct the facility.”

Dunk Them Donuts Reinforces Chamber of Commerce Warnings

Broffman in front of his Ferrari 250 GTO
David Tiler Broffman. Credit: Bricklyn Eagle photographer Ann Tiler Anderson, with assist from Dall E3 AI.

David Tiler Broffman, CEO of Dunk Them Donuts, Bricklyn’s largest private employer, added his voice to those opposing the data center moratorium:

“This moratorium could seriously undermine expansion plans our company has been actively considering. Without state-of-the-art data infrastructure, Dunk Them Donuts and other Bricklyn businesses will be operating at a significant competitive disadvantage. “

Broffman continued: “As everyone knows, Dunk Them Donuts has deep roots in Bricklyn. But — and I hate to say this — if we can’t operate efficiently here, we may be forced to grow our business in another Inland realm. I hope policymakers understand what’s at stake.”

A colorful Lego figurine with brown, curly hair wearing a vibrant outfit stands next to a small black and white dog, set against a scenic mountain landscape.
Jenny Brickdeur with her dog Suzi in the South Bricklyn highlands, near the Vermont border. Credit: Bricklyn Eagle photographer Ann Tiler Anderson, with assist from Dall E3 AI.

Environmental Leader Backs Proposal

The Bricklyn Eagle also spoke with Jenny Brickdeur, Director of the Bricklyn Environmental Alliance (BEA), who offered strong support for Senbrick’s resolution. She told us that “BEA’s more than 300 members — who include many small business owners — have deep concerns about the possible construction of data centers in Bricklyn.”

“Data centers are are not harmless little computer buildings,” Brickdeur said, noting that “they generate massive energy needs out-of-scale with anything we’ve previously dealt with in Bricklyn.

A colorful, Lego-inspired depiction of a data center complex featuring two tall buildings and cooling towers, situated by a body of water with greenery and flowers in the foreground.
This GPT-4o AI generated rendering shows possible co-location of a data center and a nuclear power plant along the Brickooski River. Will structures like these be built in Bricklyn?

“Through their huge energy consumption,” she added, “they often trigger the need for major new energy supply sources, including nuclear generating plants. The U.S. Department of Energy has said that ‘nuclear has the potential to be a great partner for the data centers of today and tomorrow.’ … ” Does that mean we’ll also need to build a nuclear power plant in Bricklyn? Right now, we simply don’t know.

“In the absence of careful planning,” noted Brickdeur, “a new data center in Bricklyn might well jeopardize our realm’s efforts to develop a sustainable energy future.”

Brickdeur continued: “before we allow any of these facilities in Bricklyn, we need to have in place standards to ensure they are as energy efficient as possible, so we don’t end up — though their demands on Bricklyn Power & Light for capacity upgrades — sharply increasing the energy costs passed along to ratepayers, including small businesses and residents.

“In Outland communities,” she noted, “these concerns have been growing.” She shared a recent example from Maryland.

Asked about the fear raised by several business leaders that the moratorium will stifle economic growth, Brickdeur responded by saying that: “This isn’t about shutting down growth. It’s about making sure that if a data center is built, it doesn’t undermine Bricklyn’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, one of the real keys to having a strong economy.”

Next Up: 

Councilor Bob Senbrick plans to introduce Resolution No. 25-73, which calls for a two-year moratorium on the construction of any new data center in Bricklyn, at the Federal Council’s December 15th meeting. Observers expect the meeting to kick off a spirited debate. ✥

The Bricklyn Eagle has published the full text of proposed Resolution No. 25-73, as provided by the Clerk’s Office of the Realm.

See our regularly updated listing of all Bricklyn Eagle articles dealing with artificial intelligence or data centers.

A colorful animated eagle character composed of plastic building blocks, set against a blue background with various circular blocks in different colors.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: While I appreciate Councilor Senbrick’s effort to have a moratorium, why can’t we just say NO to the use of artificial intelligence in Bricklyn. We don’t have to be part of this race to the bottom — which is what seems to be happening in the Outland world with a mad dash to incorporate AI into every aspect of life.

Our Federal Council made a smart decision back in 2023 to ban Facebrick from the Realm due to its monopolistic practices and abuse of privacy. We should simply ban the use of AI — we’ve done quite well till recently without it. No need to spend two years searching for a solution. Let’s just call for our Federal Council to end the use of AI in in Bricklyn — and we can all then dunk a Dunk Them Donut to celebrate! — Penelope B. Landers, Bricklyn Jct., VT

Reply from the Editor: Just want to quickly note that The Bricklyn Eagle for several years has used AI to assist with preparing photos and other graphics, and also as a research tool when our reporters and correspondents prepare articles for publication.

We encourage readers to view two articles we’ve published on the use of AI in Bricklyn: “Preliminary Guidance on the Use of Generative AI by Media & Government Agencies” (March 1, 2024) and “Bricklyn Eagle Slammed for Use of AI Generated Images” (May 12, 2025). Of course, The Bricklyn Eagle abides by all requirements set by the Federal Council, and also takes into consideration reader feedback. Thank you.

To the Editor: As is too often the case in our Realm, delay seems to be the watchword whenever something new and exciting is proposed. We’re already benefitting from AI, and there will be even greater benefits as data centers ramp up in size. Will AI take over the world and end both humanity and LEGO-based peoples like us? From what I’ve read, there’s probably no more than a 10 percent chance of that happening. The odds are in our favor! — Bruce B. Berenson, Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: I thought a two-year moratorium would be too long to be legal. Can you tell me if I’m right? — Sarah B. Drinkwine, Bricklyn, VT.

Reply from the Editor: Good question. We’ll ask Mark Tiler Richmond, who shared the byline on the article you just read, to address your question when he next reports on the moratorium debate.

To the Editor: What’s this AI really all about? The way I see it, AI’s only going to cost all of us a s**t load of money. The billionaire class is aiming to drug us with AI so we just sit at home all day twiddling our thumbs while watching AI-generated videos. That’s not what I signed up for. — Thomas B. Doomer, South Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: Your article quotes the head of the Chamber of Commerce touting 90 permanent jobs likely to be created by a new data center. He should know that those 90 jobs are peanuts compared to the number of jobs that will likely be lost due to the spread of artificial intelligence and robotics. — Angela Tiler Agard, Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: We definitely need this moratorium. But I do have one suggestion. I looked online, but did not see the Realm of Bricklyn listed as a signatory on the Center for AI Safety’s Statement on AI Risk? Here’s their simple and straightforward statement:
“Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.” Yes, “extinction.” Council member Senbrick, in his Resolution, should also call on the Realm of Bricklyn to endorse this statement and join its group of signatories from around the globe. — Cy Westbrick, Bricklyn Jct., VT.

Reading about Venice in Bricklyn

Venice in Bricklyn: The New Canal District Takes Shape

Bricklyn Eagle masthead
A LEGO replica of a Venetian-style building with gondolas on a canal, featuring minifigure characters in traditional attire.
Illustration provided by Bricklyn Planning Department, prepared with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

Sept. 10, 2025

by Paul B. Macro, Business Reporter for The Bricklyn Eagle

Bricklyn’s long planned Canal District — referred to by the moniker “Venice in Bricklyn” — is bearing its first fruits with the completion of several Venetian-style palazzi and case alongside a newly constructed canal.

Bricklyn Planning Director Tim Brickedy describes Venice in Bricklyn as “a vision to bring a beautiful part of the world to Bricklyn, while making use of a large former industrial site that, just a few years ago, was being considered for locating a nuclear power plant. … We’re gratified that Phase 1 of the redevelopment project is now underway.”

A LEGO model of two Venetian-style buildings with a small bridge in front, showcasing intricate architectural details and minifigures, representing the Canal District in Bricklyn.
A model of a possible palazzo (on right) and smaller casa (on left) for Venice in Bricklyn. Photo by Tim Brickedy, Bricklyn Planning Department. See Bricklink Venetian Houses.

Brickedy, along with Bricklyn architect Moshi Saftbrick and donut mogul David Tiler Broffman, made the long trek to Venice, Italy, four years ago to learn about Venetian architecture and building techniques, and to evaluate whether a slice of Venice could be replicated in Bricklyn.

A LEGO figure with a mustache and beard holds a decorated donut while examining blueprints on a table.
Moshi Saftbrick
Bricklyn Planning Director Tim Brickedy by Zoning notice sign.
Tim Brickedy
Broffman in front of his Ferrari 250 GTO
David Tiler Broffman
Nighttime view of Venice's canals featuring historic buildings lit up, with a purple water taxi navigating the water.
Palazzi and smaller case line Venice’s Grand Canal. Photos by Wayne Senville.
View of Venetian-style buildings along a canal, with gondolas docked in the foreground.

According to Saftbrick, “the idea was never to copy brick-for-brick Venetian buildings, but to learn whether it might be possible to re-interpret Venice’s styles — which were obviously built at human scale — for our LEGO-scaled Realm.” Saftbrick added that, “it was critical that the design appeal to Bricklyn homebuyers, while at the same time enhancing the community as a whole.”

Architectural illustration of a Venetian-style building with intricate details, positioned by a canal, featuring arched windows and a stepped entrance.
Schematic of one of the planned palazzi provided by Moshi Saftbrick;
with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.
A detailed LEGO model depicting a picturesque Venetian-style building alongside a canal, featuring colorful balconies, street lamps, and figures recreating daily life in a vibrant, urban setting.
Models of two of the proposed Venetian-style case above; a palazzo on the right. From Moshi Saftbrick, & Dall E-3 AI.
A detailed LEGO model of a Venetian-style building alongside a canal, featuring minifigures, lamps, and a gondola.

Broffman, who was the erstwhile developer of the unbuilt Dunk Them Donuts tower, noted that, “Moshi and I learned some hard lessons from that project. It made us realize even more than we had previously the importance of working closely with citizen groups and elected officials to have development that reflects peoples’ desires and values. While our new Canal Estates palazzi and case have modern conveniences and contemporary interior features, we wanted to create a harmonious streetscape — or should I say, ‘canal-scape’ — something that the entire community will be proud of.

A detailed map of the Canal District in Bricklyn, featuring colorful sections and waterways, highlighting the layout of the planned Venetian-style neighborhoods.
Map from Bricklyn Plan for Canal District. Prepared by the Bricklyn Planning Department, with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

Planner Brickedy noted that the canals and bordering walkways would be open to the public and integrated into the existing bike and pedestrian network.

As Brickedy added, “Our Canal District plan and accompanying zoning ensures all development in Venice in Bricklyn will be accessible to the public, and not result in any restricted enclaves.”

Brickedy also noted that “the Federal Council incorporated inclusionary provisions in the Canal District Plan and accompany zoning regulations that will provide for a significant amount of affordable housing which will be integrated into the new Bricklyn in Venice neighborhood.”

A scenic view of a canal in Venice, Italy, showcasing Venetian-style buildings with colorful facades, a boat docked along the canal, and a bell tower in the background under a clear blue sky.
Houses along the Rio di Sant’ Agostino in Venice’s Castello district. While many large palazzi line the Grand Canal, smaller residences (case) border the city’s many smaller waterways. Photo by Wayne Senville.

Brickedy observed that “while much of the focus has understandably been on the beautiful residences being planned, it’s important to realize that Venice in Bricklyn will also include commercial and office space, as well as several campi providing valued open space with areas for children to play and adults to sit and chat with their neighbors.”

A lively square in Venice, featuring people relaxing near trees, a central fountain, and charming Venetian architecture in the background.
Campo Bandiera e Moro in Castello sestieri (district) of Venice could serve as a model for the two campi planned for Bricklyn’s Canal District. See also A Pattern Language, Chapter 61, Small Public Squares. Photo by Wayne Senville.
A Lego figure holding a brochure titled 'BRICKLYN Canal Estates' featuring a black and white illustration of Venetian-style buildings and a canal.

Developer Broffman said he was “quite pleased” with Bricklynites’ initial reaction to his Canal Estates development, and that deposits had already been placed on eight of the planned canal-side residences.

Broffman also reported that a grocer and (perhaps not surprisingly) a Dunk Them Donuts shop have also signed long-term leases.

Within the next three years Phase 1 should result in the completion of 24 case; five palazzi; and six commercial and office sites — all to be built by the development arm of Broffman’s Dunk Them Donuts.

“Developers have not yet been selected for the next two phases of Venice in Bricklyn,” said Planning Director Brickedy, “and it is certainly possible that multiple developers will be involved. Phase 2 is slated to move forward in 2028. Ultimately, we are looking for a maximum neighborhood population of 500, as recommended in the Canal District Plan.” 📍

📍For readers interested in neighborhood planning, the Canal District Plan draws heavily on standards set out by Alexander, Ishikawa, and Silverstein in their invaluable text, A Pattern Language: Towns – Buildings – Construction. See Chapter 14, “Identifiable Neighborhoods.”

A scenic view of a canal in Venice featuring traditional buildings, a bridge, and outdoor dining areas with red awnings. Several boats are moored along the water's edge.
A ristorante bordering the Rio del Greci canal in Venice’s Castello district. The Bricklyn Canal District Plan calls for restaurants and other commercial uses to be mixed with residential buildings.
Photo by Wayne Senville.

It should be noted that the Canal District will not be open to Outland tourists as it is in that part of Bricklyn located outside the Great Wall. This will, however, help avoid “overtourism” that has plagued Venice, Italy, where day-tripping tourists often swarm across the city, especially during Summer months.

LEGO figurine dressed as a police officer speaking to three other LEGO figures in a scenic, Venetian-style backdrop.
Photo of Commissario Bricketti meeting with Tim Brickedy, Moshi Saftbrick, and David Plater Broffman.
credit: The Venice Gazzetino, with assistance of GPT-40 AI.

Detective Bricketti of the Venice Polizia

During their stay in Venice, the three Bricklyn visitors set aside time to meet with renowned Venice police detective Leon Bricketti at the Campo Lorenzo, a few minutes walk from the Questura (police headquarters).

Bricketti spoke of how the Venice police have dealt with youth gangs, an emerging concern in parts of Bricklyn.

➤ Detective Bricketti is sometimes mistaken for a fictional detective also based in Venice. ✥

A colorful LEGO-style illustration featuring a stylized eagle head with bright blue eyes, fluffy white feathers, and a yellow beak, set against a blue background with various colored circular pieces.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: The Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce offers its congratulations to David Tiler Broffman and all the others who have worked so hard to make Venice in Bricklyn a realty. While, as your reporter mentioned, Outlanders will not be able to visit our Venice (at least for now), it will surely draw visitors from other Inland realms. Fortunately, improvements to both Brick Air and Brick Rail services will help make Bricklyn much more accessible. Again, kudos to Team Bricklyn! — Tom Brickorti, CEO, Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce.

To the Editor: While I love Venice, Italy, I have serious reservations about this attempt to recreate Venice here in Bricklyn. The magic that makes the real Venice so special simply cannot be replicated elsewhere, as other efforts to do so have already shown (see, for example, Venice Water City in Dalian, China). Instead we should be improving the design of our existing neighborhoods and filling in empty lots with buildings consistent with Bricklyn’s well-established architectural styles. I’m afraid that the commanding influence of a super wealthy Bricklyn donut mogul has led Bricklyn planners and elected officials to move forward with a copy cat effort that misses the mark. — Lewis Brickford, Bricklyn Jct., VT.

Reply from “Venice in Bricklyn” Architect Moshi Saftbrick: While I appreciate respected writer Brickford’s comments, I must note that, as Mr. Brickford is surely aware, very few Bricklynites can afford a trip to Venice, Italy. By providing them a slice of Venice right here in Bricklyn, they can partake in some of the timeless beauty of Venetian architecture, as well as the pleasures of having in the newly built canal an enjoyable and publicly accessible amenity.

To the Editor: I find it ironic that now that Bricklyn has become part of the French Republic we embark on a project to bring Italian style buildings here. Hope we at least get a good pizzeria! — Marcel B. Maçon, South Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: So many naysayers out there who can’t see a great thing when it’s right before their eyes! Venice in Bricklyn is just the shot in the arm our Realm needs, especially during these trying times. Thank you to the talented folks who have worked tirelessly on brining this creative development to Bricklyn. — Polly Plater Popover, Bricklyn, VT.