Dear Bayfront Residents,

At 3:47pm on Friday, a letter was sent from the developer’s attorney requesting a deferral of the Monday February 19th hearing.  The letter states the developer needs additional time to answer questions proposed by many review organizations.  Is this the true reason the project is being deferred for a second time and at the last minute?

Are the review clarifications the only reason for the last minute deferral request?  Doubtful, the SDCC sent it’s list of clarifying questions to the developer on Feb 2, 2007.  A full two weeks earlier.  Plenty of time to ask for a deferral.

Maybe it was the realization that the proposed project violates every code that the Wetlands Board has jurisdiction over?  Highly doubtful that the developer will come back with a modified plan that doesn’t impact any wetlands.

Maybe it was an attempt to slow down the increasing momentum of community opposition?  Quite possible.  You did an excellent job of answering the call to arms.  Over 100 emails have been sent.  Over 5000 petitions have been signed.  Over 50 people were scheduled to attend the hearing on Monday.  And over 150 copies of the new “Choice” movie by Chris Groffman have been handed out.

Whatever the real reason for deferral, one thing is certain.  You, the community, are making a difference.

Please note:  Based on the developer’s request for deferral, the bus to Monday’s hearing has been cancelled.  There is no reason for the general public to attend this Monday’s meeting.  The bus will be rescheduled to support the next attempted hearing date.  So stay tuned and visit http://www.sdcc.info for frequent updates.

In the meantime, don’t let up.  This project can be defeated.  Maintaining the area as open space as recommended in the Outdoors Plan or as a research facility is a viable alternative.  So keep those emails going.  Continue to pass the petitions around.  Make phone calls to your friends and ask them to attend the next planned hearing (most likely April 16th).

I also wanted to take this opportunity to pass on a special thank you to Liz Dyer for patiently putting up with the hassle of having to cancel the bus at the last minute.  Remember to email edyer1@cox.net or call 425.2123 if you want to get on the list for the next trip.

Sincerely,

Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition – President

Visit http://www.sdcc.info for additional information regarding the Bayfront area.