To the editor:

I am writing regarding Article 14 at Essex Annual Town Meeting, regarding Conomo Point.

My opinion of this article is that it should be voted down immediately as soon as possible or indefinitely postponed!

It is presented as a method of accomplishing the impossible — and is just the opposite of the desires of the town when it decided 10 years ago to end the leasing of lots and eventually give the whole area back to the townspeople. There is not enough buildable land to create a subdivision to the specifications of subdivision of the town.

Essex bought 120 acres from Proctor in 1825, 20 some acres being in Gloucester. I defy any of you to find it. It probably went by adverse possession long ago, subtract off all the unbuildable area and the area north of Robbins Island Road and there is not much left.

I believe the town bought the Conomo Point land for the benefit of the town's poor and indigent. It served its purpose for a hundred years and was used by people not of the town for another hundred years.

I think it is time to give the place back to the townspeople by creating a park, beach and landing North of Robbins Island Road and give or sell the remainder to a conservation organization. It is my opinion that the town would lose money trying to create a subdivision.

This is probably all that is available of the grant to John Burnham from the King of England in the 1640s.

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JEROME FRENCH

Essex