To the editor:

We have been listening to the various arguments, some favoring and some opposing, locating the proposed railroad maintenance facility close to a residential neighborhood.

I cannot help but wonder how many of us would favor such a proposal, should the plan suggested be in our backyards.

Cost for constructing any project is certainly important, all things being equal, but here they are not equal. I believe locating the facility in a quiet residential area is unfair.

Is it really needed, and in that neighborhood area; is it absolutely needed?

Are there no other appropriate locations? Has the industrial park been thoroughly looked at? A Cook’s Corner site — even at added cost to the proposal?

Brunswick, several years ago, denied a commercial retail establishment to be located at the corner of Stanwood and Pleasant streets, even though, in that instance, I recall most of the neighbors favored the proposal.

Are we moving against neighborhoods? Do we have something against them?

If a private enterprise made such a proposal as presented here, with lower cost being suggested as a rationale for justifying locating something in an area that is clearly not a good place, I do not think it would be looked at favorably.

An environmental assessment certainly seems appropriate, and a more acceptable site explored thoroughly and fairly even again.

Dick Morrell,
Brunswick

[email protected]