Editor:

This letter concerns the proposed land swap on Depot Street.  The town council was asked to consider a plan to swap beachfront property with the Lighthouse Motel on June 17 without a first and second reading or public hearing. To their credit, council members agreed to Councilor Rancourt’s motion to give it a second reading and hold a public hearing and vote on July 15. Twenty citizens spoke that evening and many urged the council to take its time before making an historic and permanent decision. Given the complexities of the issue and the history there, along with questions about another possible redevelopment plan for the building, a study is clearly warranted.

This letter is to ask the Scarborough community to participate in the public hearing and become involved. This is not just an issue for Pine Point. The whole community should look at this plan very carefully and consider its implications. The council has indicated it wants to hear from citizens; that is why a public hearing will be held on July 15. A land exchange is not a bad idea, provided it clearly benefits the community and preserves the historical use of this 120 year-old public road. There are clearly alternatives and they need to be carefully examined.

Joe DeGrinney, Judy Shirk, Elaine Richer, Harold Hutchinson, John Thurlow, Judy Mushial