The Nov. 24 Yarmouth Town Council meeting, billed as an information meeting about designs and costs for replacing or removing the Route 1 bridge over Main Street, was hostile territory for those wanting full consideration of alternatives. Most people there wanted to replace the bridge and were angry with the council and others otherwise inclined.
I understand the anger. The time the state gave the town to make up its mind rushed the decision. The council was under the gun and trying to involve citizens, but many felt left out, even run over.
Let’s take the time listen to and show respect for all options and opinions.
An architect’s rendering shown at the meeting offered a creative and community-focused, rather than automobile-focused, option to rebuilding the bridge.
Route 1 traffic over Main Street has value, but at a dear price. Yarmouth’s town center is cut in two. Many have gotten used to it and seem to like it. To me its berms are town-diminishing eyesores, designed to accommodate automobiles before Interstate 295 was built. Our decision will be in place for 75-plus years and should be based on what is best for Yarmouth’s quality of life, what makes it a more beautiful and people-friendly community. That may mean replace or remove. Both need to be fully considered.
Bill Gregory
Yarmouth
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