A few years into the new airport terminal now and the interior is still about as sterile and stark a public space as can be imagined.

The contrast with Pellston is startling. Pellston says “Welcome to Northern Michigan and all we have to offer: and Alpena says “You have arrived in Anytown, USA. There is nothing special here.”

This would seem to be a perfect blank canvas for our various civic organizations and businesses to display what Alpena is all about and educate visitors about the community and local region.

Instead we have bare walls and open floor space. Decent coffee would be an improvement. Some comfortable seating would also be a huge plus.

There can be more to an airport terminal than just efficient movement of the cattle.

Russ Glover

Alpena