My fondest memories of Singapore are closely linked to Portsdown, the comfortable curves of its quiet roads, the landscape and its community. It is the one area I look forward to seeing first whenever I visit the Republic.

With the decision to demolish the Colbar and add several lanes of concrete to carry through-traffic, Singapore is losing an institution and a landmark. It is the unofficial nexus of this diverse community and offers continuity between past and present.

The authorities have stated that they intend to conserve as much of the area as possible, but the presence of One North and this roadway link do little to conserve and enhance the area.

Moreover, it seems clear that conservation does not include preserving elements important to the character of the area, such as the Colbar. For those unfamiliar with the Colbar, it is more than merely four walls and a roof housing a kitchen, tables and chairs.

It is like a good friend. The front door is the community message board, administered by no authority other than that of the proprietor. Patrons are free to move tables and chairs about, and frequently spread out on the green apron of the front lawn to enjoy the cool night air.

The Colbar, like Portsdown, is cozy and without pretence. Places like it will not be found in anaemic, cookie-cutter food courts.

The decision to displace it and forever alter the community's complexion is regrettable. The Colbar has stood for more than half a century while most restaurants along Boat Quay and Clark Quay have a shelf life of no more than a couple years during the best of times.

It has survived both the ups and downs and it is sad that it will be snuffed from existence not by recession but by the planners' interpretation of conservation.

As we have seen with the effort in Chinatown, conserving the character of a neighbourhood requires more than saving a few large trees or repainting facades of old buildings.

At a time when the Government is searching for the massing of elements deemed critical to a diverse and vibrant community in Singapore, one would think this would be an area worth supporting and saving.

STEPHEN B. SHAFFER
New York, USA