What gift would you give your downtown for the holidays? We asked our readers and they said:

The long-overdue return of the Los Angeles Angels.

Mike Eberts, Los Angeles, California

More people places--little parks with places to sit--trees, flowers, cafes with outdoor spaces, small shops to browse in. There is no place to be a human…cars rule, speed pollutes, and commerce reigns.

Romana London, Atlanta, Georgia

Affordable housing and plenty of it. A subway that went somewhere.

John Colombo, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My holiday gift to my downtown would be more holiday decorations for steetscape. This would attract more shoppers to the Downtown area, generating additional dollars to boost the economy of local merchants in the Downtown Parking District.

Robin Barney, Salem, Oregon

An improved streetcar system and a ban on parking.

Jane Holtz Kay, Boston, Massachusetts

Free buses.

Dana Ross, Los Angeles, California

An improved intercity and commuter rail solution with regular service to and from SeaTac Airport to King Street Station.

Julian Rogers, Seattle, Washington

Trash and recycle bins on every corner! Filth-adelphia no more!

Laura Cohen, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A recognition by all Louisville residents--and those who live just outside its borders--that their downtown matters.

Cary B. Willis, Louisville, Kentucky

A viable, full service department store (we just lost our last one with the pending departure of Dillard's).

Jim Kroeger, Cleveland, Ohio

A subway system.

Craig Bollen, Portland, Oregon

Discount retailers, the return of Woolworth's and grocery stores.

Eric Miller, San Francisco, California

Bike lanes that lead to an outdoor movie theatre.

Heather Weiner, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A preservation-sensitive plan to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh that includes existing small, local businesses into the plan.

Carlton Wong, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I would give it the compassion, resources, and education needed to help heal and help the homeless who are persecuted and lonely in the downtown sea of the holiday spending frenzy. (I would especially give this gift to our mayor, who has instead told the city police to arrest people for the crime of being homeless in public square during the holidays, to load them onto buses and dump them on the outskirts of town where nobody has to remember their existence.)

Megan T. Wilson, Cleveland, Ohio

Relocate the new Central Justice Center Central Booking activities away from one of best well-preserved historic area of the city to a more appropriate location. Originally, the building was planned to house court rooms and staff. At meetings held at various precincts, Central Booking was not mentioned at part of the plans and the neighborhood was not informed of having Central Booking at this location until construction was well underway. This "ill-conceived arrangement" must go and the sooner the better!

Madeleine Aubry, Austin, Texas

More Housing.

Bennet Donovan, Austin, Texas

I would give Philadelphia crime-free streets. Philadelphia offers so much culture, dining and social opportunities but I am afraid that some people don't come into the city because of the crime and the ones that do and are victims of crime don't return.

Christine Marino, Phildelphia, Pennsylvania

On-street recycling containers.

Anonymous, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A real public square, someplace both grand and intimate, to replace the awkward, cramped, and uninviting Pershing Square.

Richard Risemberg, Los Angeles, California

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