Letter: Volunteer boards only as good as information they receive

To the editor:

I agree with Mr. Borden, a member of our zoning board, that the Patriot Petroleum application is a better use than the Target from 2007. 

Target was almost five times the size of Clements’ with parking for 600 vehicles. That behemoth would have been 29 times the size of the proposed convenience store. It would have been disastrous to our local small business community.

The Giacobbi family brought forth a plan that is attractive as far as car washes, gas stations and convenience stores go. The architect’s plan uses white cedar shingles, gabled roofs and fieldstone walls. They also provided adequate buffers for the abutters which will provide noise relief from the car wash and a more aesthetically pleasing property. The developers accommodated just about every citizen and board request that was asked of them.

In Portsmouth one needs to be a “forensic” citizen to find out when and where the pertinent meetings for different applications are held. The very important City of Newport water department letter was sent out on Oct. 13, one week before the properly advertised zoning board meeting but weeks after the Planning and Design Review board meetings, where they are required to give advisory opinions to the zoning board.

Contrary to what Mr. Chappell stated, the Planning Board and Design Review Board didn’t have the letter. Our appointed volunteer boards are only as good as the information they receive. The City of Newport water department, an abutter to the application, addressed the Oct. 13 letter to Mr. Edwards and copied Town Planner (Gary) Crosby. 

Citizens would expect a letter of this significance, when received in Town Hall, to be forwarded to the appropriate parties immediately. We all deserve so much more from our town. 

Conni Harding

884 Union St.

Portsmouth