LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As a resident of the William Seely School neighborhood since 1960, I have seen many changes to this area, but none as drastic as what is being proposed for the William Seely School. I understand Groton needs to expand its tax base and create jobs, but we also need our way of life protected in our neighborhood. We do not want to see our property values decline any more than they already have.

A petition with 77 signatures was presented to the Town Council on Dec. 17 asking them to re-word a resolution to sell the property to a developer by including a stipulation that the only access to this new development must be from Route 12. However, the council did not act on this petition.

I am sure not one of the Town Council/RTM members would let a development of this magnitude in their neighborhoods with the primary access being through a residential neighborhood on a narrow street. Linda Gaudet Groton

Your editorial, “NBA teams up with anti-gun group” (Dec. 31), is most welcome, appropriately complimenting the NBA for exposing the gun violence that impacts us all.

Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Congress refuses to come to terms, much less mention this issue, beyond their recurring “thoughts and prayers.” Just as our First Amendment rights do not allow us to scream “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater, do Second (not “our” as you’ll never include me in this anarchy) Amendment rights (as misinterpreted by the Supreme Court) allow you to possess a military assault rifle bringing it into the aforementioned crowded movie theater?

All rights have responsibilities and restrictions. Let’s remember we’re in America, not the lawless lands of tribal Afghanistan. The New York Times reported Dec. 2 that the U.S. averaged more than one mass shooting daily in 2015.

How wonderful to see the NBA stand up and take a stand as we slide into the land of the “freeze” and the home of the crazed. Jay Lustgarten Stonington