Westbrook’s decision to accept Planning Board Site Plan restrictions

isn’t about Walmart or Big Box Stores. Their decision to accept the

guidelines as written rested on what they believe are smart safeguards for the surrounding neighborhood. I applaud their efforts.

I celebrated the City Council’s vote by going to Wal-mart in our bordering town of Windham. My shopping experience was reminiscent of a bad dream.

I have to say Wal-mart had all the things I was looking for, such as soy milk, laundry detergent, houseplants, and back to school items; yet the quality of many items was questionable.

I had to struggle to find a few houseplants to buy that were healthy

and attractive out of the hundreds of houseplants Wal-mart had for sale. Burned tips, cracked pots, and dirty leaves were the norm for the houseplants I saw. The experience left me wondering why they would have so many plants in stock if they could not care for them correctly.

Their women’s restroom was in bad shape with toilet paper overloading several toilets and paper towels scattered over the floor. It’s been rumored Wal-mart bathrooms are the cleanest. This one clearly wasn’t clean. The people who shopped there were an odd mix. I love to observe people, and it was quite a show.

I learned Windham’s Wal-mart is renovating when a pleasant checkout woman rung me up. She is excited because they are putting a Dunkin Donuts inside the store very soon. She said Home Depot is going in across the street, and Lowe’s is currently going in behind Wal-mart.

I was struck with how little green space is left around the buildings

and how many vehicles were maneuvering about (myself included).

BIG thanks to our Westbrook city councilors, Planning Board members, and fellow citizens for carving out important safeguards for Gateway Commercial property in our fair city.

Jan Born

Westbrook

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