To the Editor:
Concerning the classification of Mr. Goldenson’s property in Bremen in last week’s paper I say ‘caveat emptor’.
Mr. Goldenson’s property – formally of a maritime use (remember Zahn) is bordered on both southern and northern sides by – surprise – maritime use. Didn’t he see the mud flats when he bought it?
Are we to assume that if he throws enough money at the town that that will curry the favor of those in power to succumb to his will and desire? I certainly hope not.
Donating land to the town and to Audubon was a very nice gesture – though it sure doesn’t help the tax burden- helping the Co-op is a nice gesture (who existed, by the way, before he came to town). Let those gestures stand as they are and not be tarnished by the call for special treatment. Exceptions are just that – special treatment.
The town has made it very clear what its intentions are for the present and future. We get it. There is very little waterfront land that would be available for maritime use if it came on the market, and very few who could afford it were it residential. Let’s not lose what we already have.
The recent tax factoring did a lot to balance the tax burden between waterfront and inland, this is not a tax issue. Let the ordinance stand as is. There are plenty of people in town who can help to decipher the laws when needed for those thinking that they can change them after the fact. Kudos Parker. We are here to enforce and administer the ordinances, not find loopholes.
Olivia Atherton, Bremen
