Dear Editor:

After observing Jean Landis Naumann’s comments on the proposed 40R last week, I feel compelled to write you, and I direct my remarks to Selectman Naumann.  Think of this letter as a "welcome wagon" bringing you up to speed on that which is right in front of you.  You see, we are neighbors as we both live on Raboth Road.  After paving your street the name of Raboth Road was changed to Wolf Pond but due to a Land Court decision Raboth Road continues to lie underneath for its full length.  Sadly, as the "Confidential Agreement" discloses, you and members of your IPNA seek elimination and or reduction of traffic on that road in exchange for a positive 40R vote and continued support of permits and other actions.  You remain stalwart, despite ethical concerns, by your votes and speech.  As you stated, Raboth Road was not part of the 40R, but the 40B proposal would make it a lynchpin for both projects.  This was not disclosed to or voted for by the Town.  We further understand that IPNA desires erection of a gate to keep vehicular traffic off the road.  We view that as far from neighborly as the Land Court determined the road would remain open before your home and others were built.  It appears you and some of your neighbors seek to achieve a gated community after the fact.

It is difficult to understand a selectperson who sets herself up to close off her neighborhood while expressing both envy and distain for those living just down the road.  The choice of "fortunate" in describing your conversation with the developer is telling.  You have made no effort to learn about your Smelt Pond neighbors yet express envy and distain for them.  You said that we all wish we could live on a pond yet place the milfoil infestation in their hands as something they did to themselves.  Too bad you didn't pursue the fact before you spoke.  As an involved member of the Agricultural Committee you failed to attribute responsibility to the active expanded cranberry bogs as a potential contributor to the spread of the infestation as determined by other cities and Towns in the Commonwealth.  Since this is a Great Pond decisions are determined by the State so all citizens may enjoy it at their pleasure.

Your selectiveness, while claiming open mindedness, is concerning to voting constituents who live in this town.  To describe the property as not unique further discloses how little you know your neighbors.  Perhaps you might consider meeting and listening to them in order to broaden your horizons beyond the estates.  In fact, you would be most "fortunate" to discover there are those who care about the entire town and its past as well as its present and future.
Selectpersons need to reach out to all citizens and not concern themselves with only their own small world and nearby developers.

Sincerely yours,

Helen K. Gavin
8 Raboth Road