Mr. Leon Urban's letter rang so true in its discussion of the "Real Kiki" and not the one we've grown accustomed to seeing for the past few decades (see photo of Kickemuit in 1952). Neglect by the Water Authority has kept it both full and stagnant, creating, respectively,  a beautiful sight in cool weather and an ugly, algae-infested eyesore in warm.

The photo shows us the still-existing narrow channel through one-half of its length. Not even a kayak could turn itself around. And look closely at Schoolhouse - you will see no dike! Gee, how did the bridge handle all the water?

Had the Water Authority serviced the dike flaps the moment of the conversion to 100 percent Providence water in July 2011, the Kiki would have been healthy by now. Conjecture? How expensive would trying have cost?

Phragmites at the Child Street bridge await proposed newly-exposed riverbanks. Methinks it much cheaper all around — and much more beautiful — to leave things just the way they are. And who knows? The water could improve.

Barry Lial
Warren