To the editor:

I would like to second the view that was presented by Charlie Bradley in his Nov. 21 letter, “Cumberland Farms, Another Point of View.” By taking a second look at the traffic situation he points out that the real problem is not the traffic flow but the lack of competition and good growth in Marion.

There used to be two stores on Route 6 across the street from one another and both were busy and you could choose depending on which direction you were traveling. Now the closed store is not allowed to be a convenience store in competition with Cumberland’s new store. How was that allowed to happen?

Take a look at the empty stores along Route 6 – the old Cumberland, Getty and the former hardware store – all on key properties. A few years ago, a group of interested citizens tried to pass at Town Meeting an “overlay district” initiative to allow for housing, new business and a vision for Route 6. It was turned down and viewed as too much change because growth has become a dirty word in this and many small towns. Don’t change what we have – keep the village – keep out new business especially if it is fast food. (I would suggest that the new Cumberland Farms is indeed fast food, just without the window.)

Many people say they moved to Marion because of its small New England charm, and I am one of them. However, many of those same people work out side of town, never shop in the Village and don’t participate in town affairs or volunteer for town boards. We would rather sit back and wait for something to come to us (Dunkin Donuts and 40B) and then fight it in court, spend a lot on legal fees and lose.

I own a small grocery/restaurant (How On Earth) in Mattapoisett, across from Turk’s Seafood, down the road from On the Go, Oxford Creamery, Shipyard Galley, Mike’s Pizza, Panera and Tastebuds. That creates plenty of competition and choice. Why do you think Home Depot is usually across the street from Lowe’s and Walmart wants to move across from Wareham Crossing?

I would respectfully suggest that what we need is not another master plan but a good hard look at how to attract the kind of business we want and what needs to be in place for that to happen. This applies to the Village as well because in my view if you create a critical mass of good business, then both the Village and Route 6 can thrive.

Margie Baldwin