To the Editor:

If you have concern for local control and protection of your neighborhood, the story of Brunswick West neighbors’ fight against an industrial, Walmart-sized building in its midst should frighten and make you mad as heck.

We have been fighting the placement of this monster for over two and a half years. We have gotten help from one member of the Town Council, John Perrault; and, so far, two state legislators, state Sen. Stan Gerzofsky and state Rep. Charlie Priest.

We have pointed out the nonexistent increase in business activity in Brunswick, as promised by the railroad and the Town Council. In addition, we have pointed out the dangers to our neighborhood of air pollution, vibrations, safety of our children.

We have told of the looming drop in house values and the subsequent drop in tax revenues to the town, that will hit us 20 to 30 percent. We have shouted about the fact that this facility will not bring any new jobs to Brunswick.

We have clearly shown that the town’s bogus claim that state and local laws do not apply to this proposed construction are simple false. Legal experts we have consulted on the Surface Transportation Board point out that the Downeaster is not traveling on the Northeast Corridor line and so is not exempt from state and local laws.

Amtrak, the entity that contracted the passenger service to NNEPRA, does not own the land. Amtrak is not insisting on the Brunswick West site, nor is it threatening to end passenger service if the layover facility is not built. Amtrak could be happy with many alternatives between Boston and Brunswick.

So, good citizens of our fair town, we Brunswick West residents are almost at the end of our rope. We are hiring legal counsel and need money to help pay the fees. Any contribution, large or small, is welcomed. An anonymous donor has offered to give us $5,000 if some individual will match that figure.

What is happening to us could happen to your neighborhood.

Robert N. Morrison
Brunswick West
Neighborhood Coalition
Brunswick