The following was sent to us by a reader –
Dear Editor,
I’ve heard there are rumors circulating about me, in regard to lawsuits I’ve filed, involving development by multimillion dollar corporations, so I wanted to address them openly.
First, I am not unaccustomed to being attacked and bullied. All it has done is strengthened my resolve to fight for what is right and just.
When I or those around me are victims of an unjust situation, I will use every resource and every tool at my disposal to protect and defend myself and them.
Several years ago, as an abutter to major development projects near my home, I attended months of public hearings for Conservation, CPDC and ZBA. At each, stating my concerns and questioning the impacts of the project. And for all of my efforts, I was dismissed and ignored.
So yes, to protect my home and family, I sued the developers and the government granting authority. I challenged decisions that allowed projects which failed to comply with the regulations and zoning by-laws of the Town and violated my rights as a property owner.
This is a lesson that those concerned with the MBTA turn back track are learning. That the developer only cares about their project. An individual or even a group, without power to back them up, are barely a speed bump in the development process.
I joined the CPDC to be a voice for homeowners. Having gone through the process myself, several times, I understand the anxiety and fear that neighbors experience when a proposal comes before the board. I and the other members of the committee, worked with developers and the public, to ensure that concerns were addressed and impacts were mitigated.
There were limits on what we could require, but that didn’t stop us from requesting, and often getting, changes to a project that would make it a better fit for the area.
If you feel that by my actions, I have put myself before what is best for the town, I won’t be able to convince you otherwise.
However, I think most people will agree that I had a right and duty, to protect my neighborhood, my home and my family, from developers, who placed profit before people.
Thank you.
Tony D’Arezzo
130 John St Reading MA
