Dear Editor:

Finding opportunity to repurpose things no longer wanted by other people can be a learning experience, whether you’re repairing, improvising or giving something a new purpose in its lifetime and can be a satisfying experience.

I read with interest, Brian McDonald’s perspective on the pick pile as being a possible treasure trove. I also read that the building initially designated as the pick pile site was being put out to bid due to alleged insurance liability advisement. I have a hard time believing that to be truly the case in light of the fact that many affluent communities such as Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, and Yarmouth have designated sites for depositing items that might serve someone else’s purpose or needs, you would think those communities very aware of deep pocket vulnerability, would’ve prohibited this resource if it really was a liability.

It is my opinion that the the pick pile was poorly situated and created traffic congestion that was problematic and a burden for the district’s employees who had to take on traffic control responsibilities in addition to more important requirements of their jobs.

It would seem if there is property available outside of the normal traffic pattern footprint of the transfer station, siting a pick pile in such a place would be good for those that believe that recycling and repurposing has a place in a waste burdened planet, addressing the real problem, which it would seem with most insurance companies, insuring municipalities not considered a liability, but a traffic management conundrum.

Andre Benoit 

Southport