It's all about to change, if some developers begin a long-planned project. A mega center complete with a Home Depot and Costco Warehouse has been in the works for the old Washburn Wire Factory at 118th and Pleasant. The project would stretch from 116 to 121st Streets.

This is a well worn piece of land, largely residential save for some auto body/chop shop looking joints, a grungy chinese restaurant, a broken pay phone. Residents east of First Avenue are primarily Hispanic, with a strong representation of stubborn Italian folks that hung on and never left. They own wonderful railroad walk-ups that rent for prices you'd never expect to find in Manhattan. I know, because I wanted one, bad. Couldn't afford the move. Right off the M15 Limited, the neighborhood is everything you'd want. Convenient, safe, wide open spaces, a lovely park at 114th Street, access to the piers on the East River, Rao's, Andy's Colonial, Patsy's, the French Bakery on 110th and 1st, and of course, a plethora of good Puerto Rican food. Even a Citibank branch. But most of all, they have peace and quiet. Admittedly, there is no Citarella, no Sony Multiplex, no Virgin Megastore, but it's a neighborhood. And a lot of people like it the way it is.

Understandably, certain prominent community figures are excited about the development. It will provide up to 2000 jobs, we're told, and there has been a special emphasis on seeking employees from the neighborhood. It is not right to say that the neighborhood does not need East River Plaza. It needs economic growth very much.

But how will this ultimately change the immediate area for the better? Perhaps the excitement for quick redevelopment has taken over the sensibilities of the project's proponents. Is 116th and Pleasant Avenue really the place for such an enormous complex? Drawings of the completed site remind one of an aerial view of the Mall of America. Complete with an enormous parking garage. At least two or three city blocks worth.

Which raises the next question. Who will drive to East Harlem for Home Depot? Those with cars already have quick access to any number of home improvement centers in the area - Long Island City checks in with two, just a hop across the Triboro on Northern Boulevard and 48th Street. Westchester and Jersey certainly have their share - who is not being served?

And Costco is even more odd - there's already one ten minutes away on Vernon Blvd. in Astoria. But if Costco wants to build in Manhattan, congratulations. I think we're all tired of suffering high prices at D'AG. I'll be the first in line for my card.

So, I do not oppose the project, rather the size of it. Do you really need an indoor atrium and mall for these two tenants? No one ever congratulated Home Depot on their aesthetics - why take up 10 city blocks now trying to win the "monstrosity of the year" award?

I do not profess to have the answer for this project, however I do have a suggestion: Scale the project down to the two existing tenants, keep it at ground level, and put the parking on the roof, similar to the Port Authority, or the Edwards Superstore on Northern Blvd. in Long Island City. It's a more efficient use of space, and above all, it's a more sightly option for city development. And to cut down on traffic, build southbound entrance and access directly to the parking area. At least those folks won't be clogging up 116th Street, which is certainly wide enough, but is quiet, and should stay that way.

We do not need a suburban mall in Manhattan. Anywhere, for any reason. There must be a better way. `