We’ve seen the signs about town; now for some facts.

Pike Industries claims that building a huge quarry on Spring Street will retain 40 jobs in Westbrook – but at what cost? Pike’s blasting on Spring Street is currently threatening the long-term viability of more than 2,000 jobs in the surrounding properties, including many blue-collar positions. In fact, businesses in the Westbrook Works coalition that opposes Pike’s blasting already employ more than 1,000 blue-collar, hourly workers.

The Westbrook City Council and administration have shown good judgment in beginning a rezoning process for the industrial park that will safeguard the environment, protect neighboring residents, and expand job opportunities for all Westbrook workers – blue-collar and white-collar alike. For the good of all Westbrook, we should support this bi-partisan rezoning effort.

Jobs aren’t the only Pike numbers that don’t add up. A letter from Pike’s president mailed to Westbrook residents and published as a paid ad in the American Journal repeats the false claim that their Spring Street quarry has operated for more than 50 years. The truth is that the “quarry” Pike purchased from Blue Rock was started illegally in 1968 and remained a small, backwoods operation until the property was sold to Pike in 2005.

Since Pike is part of an international company with annual revenue in excess of $27 billion, you’d think that they would have the resources to check the facts. Unfortunately, Pike seems more inclined to spend money on lawyers to sue the city, and fund a PR agent to put out inaccurate signs and letters.

George Rodrigues

Westbrook