To the editor:
Before we can proceed with any further discussion about development of the Olde Rockport Road, there has to be an agreement among Rockport and Gloucester officials.
Our state representatives and the state Department of Transportation will likely require this before they can take any action.
We have tried without success to get a question on a ballot to determine the amount of support for the idea among the residents of Rockport. We would also like to survey residents of Gloucester — especially those in East Gloucester, because they are directly impacted by traffic on Eastern Avenue.
I have read 18 deeds about the transfer of the land around the Babson property to the Water Commission of Gloucester. Nowhere does it say "on foot only." They all say "for the protection of the watershed." The Olde Rockport Road could be developed without harm to the watershed.
Please join us in a survey to help determine the amount of support or opposition to the idea.
The editor of the Gloucester Daily Times, Ray Lamont, has agreed to receive the submissions and moderate the survey. We would like you to cast your opinions by sending an email to the editor of the Times at rlamont@gloucestertimes.com with "yes" or "no" answers to the five questions below.
The questions are:
Do you want the Olde Rockport Road developed as part of a Rockport-Gloucester connector road? Yes or no.
If a majority prevails, can we seek to require our town and city officials to meet to discuss ways to move the process forward? Yes or no.
If a majority prevails, can we demand that our town and city officials contact our state lawmakers for help with a feasibility study? Our state officials have indicated they would help if Rockport and Gloucester officials come to an agreement about developing the road. Yes or no.
If a majority prevails, should we seek to have the Olde Rockport Road developed as a state road? Yes or no.
We agree that the paramount issue of any development must be concern for the protection of the watershed, and any development of the road would comply with the terms of all the deeds. Yes or no.
The reasons for even considering development of the Olde Rockport Road follow:
Public safety. Driving time for emergency vehicles would be dramatically reduced causing less concern about traffic on Eastern Ave and may mean the difference between life and death.
Ease traffic congestion on Eastern Avenue. During the last week of May 2012 traffic getting on Route 128 from Route 127 was backed up to Pond Road.
Save time for local residents going from East Gloucester and Rockport to Route 128.
Convenience for residents using the road, it's easy to reach and less troublesome. This is not a bad thing.
In addition to the survey, please also feel free to write a letter to the editor about your own experiences on Eastern Avenue and why you think we need the road developed.
JAMES LANE
Rockport
