Barton Mayer has requested a proposed trial date of February 1, 2009 at Cheshire County Superior Court for the Planning Board Appeal hearing. Silas Little, on behalf of the plaintiffs has agreed as has John Ratigan, attorney for Mr. Van Dyke.
I can only wonder why the town's attorney would want to drag this out for 7 more months. I guess the town really wants to stick it to the plaintiffs, driving up their lawyer's fees or could it be that the town first needs to raise money to fight or settle and is seeking to wait until after a budget increase this fall? If this is the case, how do you feel about having to pay to defend people who do not follow the rules set forth by the town and who laugh at the prospect of having to raise taxes to defend their behavior?
Isn't the planning board there to make sure that the rights of the people living in that town are protected? Since when did the planning board anywhere become a vehicle to find loopholes and cater to every desire of a developer. Particularly one with a track record of destroying the environment, not completing his projects and ignoring all recommendations set forth by governing agencies.
When Attorney Silas Little started showing up at the planning board meetings I felt right from the start, Margaret Sharra was dragging the planning board process out, thinking no one was looking. Running up the costs for his legal representation as she knew that some of the abutters were disabled and on a fixed income and didn’t have a lot of money to spend to be sure that their rights weren't being exploited and that the town was following all of the rules. What she didn’t count on was Silas Little having such a back bone and caring about the abutters as to keep showing up in their defense. Margaret Sharra's numerous attempts to piss him off by trying to discourage and intimidate him in his efforts to make the planning board process fair and equal and her utter disrespect for the man was very obvious all through these hearings. Margaret Sharra wouldn't consider any of the abutters concerns over many matters and would sit, rolling her eyes in displeasure when Mr. Little quoted state law on their behalf. Often shrugging her shoulders in away to say what you have to say doesn't count here, or her making faces and showing her contempt for the man which only made Mr. Little more determined. Is this truly how a board chairperson is suppose to act?
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I am part of a group of Winchester citizens completely opposed to dirty and hazardous businesses, like asphalt and wood burning plants wanting to come into town at the expense of our quality of life. I am concerned about preserving the rural character of Winchester. These types of development have no benefits for Winchester citizens and they create many health hazards and will cause the destruction of green space. Our Winchester is known for its precious natural resources; dramatic rocky slopes, unique wetlands and abundant wildlife. I feel there are many questions concerning these proposed projects that outweigh any benefits. The increase in traffic along existing streets and noise and air pollution would be very significant. I am also concerned that the town infrastructure cannot cope with the problems these types of businesses will demand. Furthermore, I am very discouraged with the Planning Board and Zoning Boards and feel they have been negligent in their duties to protect neighboring residents from health hazards and safety issues that will surely arise and affect the lives and livelihoods of many citizens.
3 comments:
I can only wonder why the town's attorney would want to drag this out for 7 more months. I guess the town really wants to stick it to the plaintiffs, driving up their lawyer's fees or could it be that the town first needs to raise money to fight or settle and is seeking to wait until after a budget increase this fall? If this is the case, how do you feel about having to pay to defend people who do not follow the rules set forth by the town and who laugh at the prospect of having to raise taxes to defend their behavior?
Isn't the planning board there to make sure that the rights of the people living in that town are protected? Since when did the planning board anywhere become a vehicle to find loopholes and cater to every desire of a developer. Particularly one with a track record of destroying the environment, not completing his projects and ignoring all recommendations set forth by governing agencies.
When Attorney Silas Little started showing up at the planning board meetings I felt right from the start, Margaret Sharra was dragging the planning board process out, thinking no one was looking. Running up the costs for his legal representation as she knew that some of the abutters were disabled and on a fixed income and didn’t have a lot of money to spend to be sure that their rights weren't being exploited and that the town was following all of the rules. What she didn’t count on was Silas Little having such a back bone and caring about the abutters as to keep showing up in their defense. Margaret Sharra's numerous attempts to piss him off by trying to discourage and intimidate him in his efforts to make the planning board process fair and equal and her utter disrespect for the man was very obvious all through these hearings. Margaret Sharra wouldn't consider any of the abutters concerns over many matters and would sit, rolling her eyes in displeasure when Mr. Little quoted state law on their behalf. Often shrugging her shoulders in away to say what you have to say doesn't count here, or her making faces and showing her contempt for the man which only made Mr. Little more determined. Is this truly how a board chairperson is suppose to act?
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