To the editor:

Just when I had about lost all hope for the Town of Warren due mostly to development issues in town, two positive things happened this week:

n 1: The planning board came to the realization that we have a moral responsibility to uphold the contract with Luther Blount and the citizens of Warren and recommend the historic easements placed on Old Warren Marina six years ago remain and retain that property as "a working waterfront." Our crusty waterfront is part of the identity and character of this town, and it is much appreciated by all that visit. We should be proud that we have protected it. The property owner clearly bought this property knowing these easements existed. If in fact they cannot make it work as is, then they should sell it; I am confident another person will. I am confident there is a fair, reasonable profit to be made in selling the property to someone who can make it work.

Kudos to the board members that were clear-thinking enough to look at the big picture and see that their purpose on the board is to make land use decisions and decide what is for the greater good of Warren as a whole. We should not be held hostage to small businesses that have choices on where they can be. This is about upholding a contract by the town with moral integrity from a generous donor.

There was a study done by the town, a commission set up by the council, it was voted and decided on by our town council and citizens six years ago. That should be the end of it.

Helping businesses is a great thing and we should all as citizens support them as much as possible, but selling our soul is too much to ask from any business person. There are plenty of locations this restaurant can move to in town and there are plenty of boat builders that would love to own Old Warren Marina and make it work.

n 2: I was so pleased to finally see the much-anticipated bike racks, recycle bins and trash barrels scattered around town. These are not only functional but a great cross-marketing opportunity for the town, bridging the arts that we are proud of here and should promote more of, and also taking Warren one step further than other towns and cities in the state to becoming a sustainable community.

Kudos go to "The Steelyard" for creating edgy urban furniture in character with Warren. They are doing great things at the Steelyard and I hope this brings them more recognition and helps their mission prosper. Support The Steelyard.

Paula Silva

28 Lyndon St.