I would like to respond to a June 30 letter to the editor, “Portland should make plans to pave ‘paper streets.’ “

In 1975, I inherited land in Portland on an “unacceptable” city street (Luke Street, aka a dirt road right in the city of Portland).

At that time, I decided to retain this property as an investment for my later years.

I am now in my 70s, and I want to sell this land.

Here comes the best part: According to Ann Machado, acting zoning administrator for the city, the buyer of this land will be responsible for paving the entire street.

Or I can build a house there and live in it for six months, then sell it. I realize that does not make any sense, but those are the facts!

I strongly urge the City Council and the mayor to take immediate action to mitigate this egregious situation.

I was told years ago that Luke Street was on the list to be paved. I think that 40 years is long enough to wait for a street to be paved.

Patricia McDonough

South Portland

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