Dear editor:

I am a resident of Virginia for many years, but was born and raised in Lehighton.When I was young, I enjoyed Lehighton so much. I sure missed it when I moved, and still visit my relatives in Lehighton as much as I can. We had such great times, especially a big night out on a Friday, meeting friends downtown, sitting in the park and going in the stores. This is all but gone today.I regret to say Lehighton is like a "ghost town." It has NOTHING! It is a shame what it could be and is not.The bypass was not a great idea, and one-way parking on First Street, I believe, made a big difference, and certainly not for the better.Why is it when someone opens a business it doesn't last and goes under?If I ever moved back to Pennsylvania, Palmerton would be the town of my choice. It has a great downtown, plenty of parking with lots of stores and shops. Lehighton can't compare to this.Residents of Lehighton - wake up! Start complaining about your town.Make Lehighton great again!Martha VaughnManassas, Virginia