Dear Editor:

I regret that the golf course expansion calls for the demolition of so many period houses at Boothbay Center. I believe five houses have been bought for destruction: one dating to the 1700s, two to the 1800s and two to the 1900s.

Much of the Center's traditional New England look would vanish, taking with it a little more of the region's appeal for visitors and residents alike. Since the 1970s, pockets of the region have taken on an anonymous Anywhere, USA look. This scheme will only accelerate that trend at the Center.

Also, prior articles imply the golf course taxes will be frozen at pre-expansion levels. The post-expansion tax income will be segregated and turned over to a project with an uncertain outcome.

I think if the golf course project goes forward, the increased value of its taxable property after expansion should defray the tax bills of all taxpayers.

To do otherwise is a slap in the face to a lot of Boothbay people. Let projects rise or fall on their own merits, not be predicated on a complex shell game with the taxpayer the ultimate gambler and possible victim.

Barbara Rumsey
East Boothbay