Dear Editor: I am a frequent reader of The Hoboken Reporter. I’m happy to say that we receive it weekly at my place of employment in Hoboken. I read The Hoboken Reporter, because although I am a Bayonne resident, I spend most of my free time in the shops and cafes in Hoboken. Reading it I become aware of what is going on in the community, giving me the opportunity to be a part of the events that take place here. On January 10, 2000 I began to read the Hoboken Reporter the way I do every Monday morning. On the front cover I came across a large illustration of an 18-story apartment building and a photo of the vacant lot located at the Hoboken-Weehawken border. From the photo we can see that the lot appears to be a wasteland. I’ve seen the actual lot, which is full of unkempt shrubs and pollution. The caption under it read: Guatemala? Developer Sanford Weiss says that he wants to turn a vacant lot that straddles the Hoboken-Weehawken border from a site that he says looks like Guatemala into an 18 story apartment building. I was disappointed to read this because from this photo it is harsh to say that it resembles the country of Guatemala, a land of lush vegetation and beauty. For someone who has never visited Guatemala and seen its glorious landscape, this comparison would surely paint a dismal picture. From first hand experience I can tell you that Guatemala, although it is still considered a third world country, is a land rich in culture, art and beauty. It is full of splendid rainforests, which harvest plants used for medicinal purposes here in America. I wanted to ask Mr. Weiss if he has ever been to Guatemala. Has he ever been to its colonial city of Antigua to see the prestigious jade shops visited by President Clinton? Has he ever seen the red sunsets that fall behind the volcanoes that surround the green, fertile region? Has Mr. Weiss seen the lake of Atitlan? A lake, which rests between two enormous volcanoes and a mountain region, populated by indigenous people as well as Americans who found the place too charming to leave. Sanford Weiss have you ever seen the Guatemalan ruins of Tikal? They were developed centuries ago by the Mayan Indians, a race of genius mathematicians and architects. Have you ever seen the overwhelming complexity of the structures they built long before the industrial revolution? You want to build an 18-story apartment building on a deserted dumping ground that you describe as Guatemala. However, my ancestors have built colossal temples on sacred Guatemalan soil that overshadow any of your development prospects. To Mr. Weiss I would like to extend my deepest sympathy, for not recognizing the splendor of Guatemala. It isn=t what you see on the save the children info-mercials. It isn’t full of poverty and polluted ground. Like all countries, it is full of priceless riches that you cannot imagine. It isn’t fair to judge America for its lower east side or the uncleanliness of the Hoboken projects. It is not safe to say that this is what all America looks like. America with its purple mountains and fruited plain is full of awe. But so is Guatemala, land of fruits, land of volcanoes and beauty beyond compare. I know that The Hoboken Reporter was just quoting Mr. Weiss’ ignorant comment; nevertheless I would appreciate it if you would extend to him the impact of his words. Melida G. Rodas Cora