To the editor:

As one of the residents referred to in Patrick Rael’s Feb. 17 Local Commentary (“Brunswick should demand that NNEPRA heed state standards”), I’d like to state for the record that I am in no way opposed to Brunswick West Neighborhood Coalition (BWNC) members’ efforts to mitigate the impact of the projected layover facility, if by mitigate Rael means “to make less severe or painful; alleviate.”

It is my understanding that NNEPRA has specified concrete blocks for the construction of the layover facility because they dampen sound.

I would support building a sound barrier along the wooded strip that backs the houses on Bouchard Drive closest to the chosen site if the neighbors were interested in doing this.

I would support muffling engine horns and establishing quiet zones at grade crossings if safety rules permit these measures.

But if by mitigate, Rael really means “thwart, obstruct, undermine, sabotage,” then he is right — I am against those efforts to “mitigate” at the layover facility site.

For instance, I am aware that BWNC is asking its members and supporters to contact the Maine congressional delegation, their Maine state representatives and all town councilors to question the Downeaster’s funding.

That’s not mitigation. That’s an attempt to threaten the entire Downeaster service because of one neighborhood’s opposition to the chosen site of the layover facility.

Brunswick does deserve better.

Emily Boochever,
Brunswick

letters@timesrecord.com