For many years, advocates have spoken with town administrations regarding a list of priorities for the greater Mysticc area: people and bikes first, safety, calm, civility, sustainability, law enforcement, compliance with regulations and the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).  Many commissions later, this area is: chaos, frightening, unsafe, packed, and polluted by the car and delivery truck culture, with tourists far outnumbering residents.

Press the restart button: Research urban planning on a human scale. Think trees, people, flowers, traffic calming, crosswalk guards (two huge accidents on Coogan Blvd. this month) and climate change. "Put emphasis on public life in general and on motor traffic and buildings as second priorities. You have to start with the people" said Jan Gehl, one of the world's preeminent urban planners.

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[naviga:li]Wildflowers, lots of trees, no power lawn mowers, no leaf blowers, no lawn sprinklers.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Diversity; amenities. 185 restaurants are not ecological.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Rewrite and enforce laws and your regulations; heed your POCD.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Research and adopt the ideas of modern roadway design: traffic circles and bike lanes; follow good urban planners.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Use off-site parking, provide shuttle services; unearth the "Mobility Study."[/naviga:li]

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These are not matters of mere concern, only substance, fact, and law. Comply with your regulations, laws, and POCD.

Nancy d’Estang

Groton