The recent decision by the Gorham Town Council to sell a 94-acre parcel to Amazon without sharing this with the public continues a history of voting without regard to town residents. Over 900 housing units were approved between Main Street and Country Road against objections by the residents. When traffic is already a major concern in Gorham, how can they add 900 housing units and an Amazon distribution warehouse without addressing the traffic?

The quarry expansion, which was denied in February, was revived earlier this month, as town councilors voted to forward the proposal to the Planning Board for review, with a slight hand change to zoning. How can this happen? Does the health and safety of town residents matter? Who is really running this town? Town residents rejected the Gorham Connector, although the Town Council refused to condemn it like most other affected towns. Why are residents’ concerns rejected, while large town-altering commercial projects are moved forward? Is the Town Council serving the town residents or businesses?

The dynamics in Gorham are wrong. Money is superseding residents’ health and welfare. Try driving through Gorham now during rush hour. Wait until Amazon trucks clog the roads. Do not forget to roll up the windows. Asphalt smells and dust lingers across a large area of the town.

Charlie Hamblen
Gorham