When I read your article, “Neighbors quickly organize against church razing plans,” in the Dec. 12 issue, it looked like the Thornton Heights community was getting an almost 24-hour Dunkin’ Donuts plopped into their front yards with all the continuous traffic and noise that go along with it. What’s a neighbor to do?!

Get organized, of course. Apparently, even Major Jerry Jalbert was amazed how quickly the neighbors organized into the Thornton Heights Neighborhood Association to fight the proposed razing of the church. Wow, what a response!

But I had to ask myself where were all these rapid responders when St. John’s church was dwindling in membership to the point it had to close? Don’t you feel sorry for the Thornton Heights community? No, I don’t. They’re getting exactly what they asked for. The abutters (the community) apparently sat on their butts on Sunday mornings instead of going to church and supporting an institution that has been there to support them and their families for many years. In the process, the South Portland community lost a piece of its history. Do you think that they will get off their butts on Sunday morning for a donut? You better believe it. Let’s hope they get a Dunkin’ Donuts!

Question: After Temple Bet Ha’am installed a beautiful reflecting pool for prayer and meditation, why should the city of South Portland insert a Dunkin’ Donuts, with all the noise and traffic, right next to them? The adjoining property should remain a small neighborhood park.

Robert McManus

Scarborough