Here we go again, the Westbrook Planning Board makes a recommendation, the City Council and majority of Westbrook citizens approve, but there is always one individual that can’t stand “losing,” thereby possibility costing the city and taxpayers more money. I make reference to the article “Westbrook man fights Wal-Mart Cap,” Portland Press Herald of Aug. 19.
Although I was also anti-racino like he, Mr. Richardson is in a world of his own regarding this citizen initiative he wants to organize. He says, “I am just tired of seeing, in our country, people’s property rights being taken away from them.” Personally, I don’t want Wal-Mart, but IF we MUST have them, then it is a no brainer that some restrictions must apply. Without restrictions, business could just move into any city or town and build what they like, ditto home owner. Those who live in condos have restrictions also as outlined by their association. Don’t we have a planning board that is supposed to look out for the best interest for the city and its citizens, and a council elected to make decisions in everyone’s best interest, including Mr. Richardson and his property?
Ok, us property owners get our “rights” back. Now what? Businesses like Wal-Mart come in, build what they like, the size they like, where they like. Home and condo owners can now do the same. This is great! I can do “anything” to my property, anything. Who cares about my neighbors. My property, my rights. Sure glad I don’t live in a condo, who knows what my close neighbor might do.
What I see here is Mr. Richardson, who does not live in the neighborhood that Wal-Mark will ruin, seems not to care. He also seems not to care if more of our time and tax dollars are spent because he didn’t like “losing,” i.e. put it on the November ballot.
The Planning Board set the limits; the City Council approved those limits; the majority of Westbrook residents also approved those limits. Enough is enough! If Wal-Mark and Mr. Richardson don’t like it, then maybe they should think about taking a hike over to the next town, where I am sure they have more rights than we. Right?
Howard Spear
Westbrook
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