Dear Ray Lamont -

This report on the recent Planning Board decision is disgraceful.

1. You totally missed the heart of the problem, which is about the badly twisted logic used by the Planning Board to justify this cluster project. The Planning Board actually acknowledged that only about 30% of the site could be developed due to the terrain. That would allow for only 6 houses to be built on the one acre zoned lots. Yet they are claiming that the 12 homes they are going to build is a 'superior' option. Building more houses that zoning allows is NOT the intent of a cluster project. Its a totally false premise that everyone - including the GDT - has bought.

2. Noonan's statement about the ability to build 19 or 20 homes is pure fantasy. It has not been proven possible because it cannot be done. As mentioned above, one of his own board members said that only 6 homes could be built. As head of the Board he should have his facts straight.

3. The suggestion that Carrigan is preserving 78% of the property is a totally erroneous statement. Taking the word of an attorney whose job it is to sell a project is irresponsible. You can't preserve what you can't develop.

4. Our major objection is NOT about traffic as you stated, although it is a concern.

5. The development is NOT anywhere near the Essex line. In fact, it is about 3 miles from it. If you are going to report on it, you should at least know where it is.

6. The unanimous community opposition to this disgraceful project was never considered a factor or given any weight by the Planning Board. This disregard goes against all City plans and the the spirit of the statutes of the City.

7. The affordable housing aspect has not yet been explained. How much are these homes going to cost? Should they really be in a rural area devoid of any amenities or services? Shouldn't you be asking these questions?

The Planning Board has acted in a misguided and unprofessional manner, has bought a bill of goods from a developer, and the GDT has endorsed it as a "good project"". No one except the developer has done their homework.

Dennis McGurk