Regarding last week’s article “‘Highway’ plan has residents riled:”
I certainly have great empathy for the people who are directly affected by substandard development, substandard meaning misleading information, lack of mindfulness and respect, poor communication, ignorance of cause and effect and excessive excavating. What affects you and me, pure and simple.
At times we do not realize the ramifications of earth disturbance until it directly affects us. When I have asked developers about excessive excavating the reply was “it’s too damn costly and it’s easier to clear cut.” I have asked this for years, not only in our town.
I saved the endangered lady slippers before I knew the excavators and blasting were coming in. I gave them a new home on my land and the town land that abuts me.
Mr. Hollis is not the only developer that said that very statement, “my wife decided against it at the 11th hour.” That’s a red flag. Think about it. If a developer comes in at the initial planning, after purchasing the land, and says my family will be living here, then it gives reassurance to the neighbors.
And lo and behold they pull out in the later stages. People start to wonder.
Developers are being watched closely by some. Try to gather as much information before the work begins. Go to the source.
In this particular article, residents make reference to “they” and “the town.” Well I ask, who are “they” and who is “the town?” We have town officials that have a responsibility to take the time to give accurate information. Are you talking about the town manager? The Planning Board? Who?
We too have a responsibility. What message are we giving to the younger generations, all generations?
Apathy is around you and me, but I choose not to walk their path. I talk with longtime residents here and it is always stated no matter the issues at hand, “This is the way it has always been,” “people with deep pockets get their way.” And it goes on.
We are not the only town dealing with developers and multiple issues. But I do believe Scarborough is unique and can easily be on the forefront of being an innovative and environmental community. I keep the hope. I refuse to live in fear.
Mrs. Lello, of course the town has changed and so has the world. We cannot go back and clean up a lot of the messes. Some we can.
We can change our attitude and involve ourselves with building a strong value-based community.
And Mrs. Carver, your quote of “they’re destroying this town:” Who is “they?”
When we write articles and say “they” and “the town,” please be clearer. It would be helpful for the readers and I could have shared more on what I assume you are saying. But I cannot assume.
Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you unity, not division.
For those that have a strong sense of self and refuse apathy and to let fear rob your energy, you will be the ones to be a part of positive change. For those that sit back, don’t complain.
I ask myself, what is my responsibility? And what are lessons learned? Who is accountable for blasting problems, water drainage problems and who pays the price? Our natural habitat is in trouble – that is not new news – but who are the gatekeepers of preserving our natural resources?
Do we have strong leadership with a strong value system?
Ev Perreault
Scarborough
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