To the Editor:

I wish to protest the proposed opening of a CVS store at the corner of Route 6 and Front Street in Marion.

This is a dangerous intersection at best: the history of near misses and accidents is long, and any traffic to and from the proposed store would make it more dangerous still, as well as adding to congestion and short tempers at the lights. Pedestrians trying to cross to the proposed store either at Route 6 or Front Street would also be at risk.

Among many questions that need to be asked are those about the ecological threat to the saltmarsh at the head of the harbor. Would this risk be increased by the run-off into the harbor of stormwater from a large blacktop parking lot? Who knows whether or how the run-off would  be contaminated (with pharmaceutical waste among other objectionable substances) before it began its journey to the sea?

The proposed moving of the Hadley House to make room for a cookie-cutter CVS store would be historically irresponsible and aesthetically disturbing.

It is my understanding that a strict application of the town's by-laws would in and of itself be capable of bringing the CVS plans to a halt. I hope that the Marion Planning Committee will stand ready both to apply its own laws and to listen carefully to the voice of its citizens in this matter.

Sincerely,

Bruce Cobbold

Front St., Marion