In response to this paper’s article concerning the Phase 2 Blue Spruce Farm subdivision, I’m disturbed by Rocco Risbara’s view that any imposed impact fees are a form of “extortion.”

Surely, Mr. Risbara foresees the inevitable growth this housing project will generate beyond its current population study and the subsequent cost for additional public services to the community. His company has an ethical responsibility to participate, in conjunction with the taxpayers of Westbrook, to share the cost burden his development will present. Of the many comments voiced by residents, the greatest concern is the excessive scale of this project. Its size and scope are worthy of its own zip code! This community recognizes a housing issue exists in the greater Portland area. However, Westbrook can’t become the primary solution destination.

The community’s frustrations need to project beyond Risbara Bros. Construction and include our Planning Board representatives. Its nine members serve five-year terms, and unlike the city council, are mayor-appointed, not elected by our residents. Westbrook’s website states, “The Planning Board is the approval body for allowable residential and commercial development.” We as a community hope they will serve as the check and balance of all growth. Yet, they’ve allowed Clark’s farm to become what many have described in less than positive terms. Until these positions are filled by voter elections, the citizens of Westbrook will be without recourse to prevent pro-growth high density developments like Blue Spruce Farm. The board has shown disregard of the economic cost and disruption of neighborhoods by the the very residents they are upheld to represent.

While Rocco Risbara continues to justify his vision it’s the Planning Board who can slow the momentum. Peggy Quinlan’s comment echoes the sentiments of many, “Somehow I wish this didn’t feel like a done deal.”

Patricia Youland
Westbrook