To the editor:

Warren's "working waterfront" is doomed to failure because the economics and politics of owning and developing waterfront property in our town do not "work." People who own commercial real estate (or stocks, or savings accounts) do so because they hope to achieve a return on the investment.

Cooperation, good business practices and the profit motive are at the core of any successful re-development. The current climate in Warren is hostile. Property owners who do not hew to the party line are disparaged as speculators by activists. Town officials are unhelpful. Every conceivable obstacle is thrown up in a self-righteous scheme to bring the property owner to his/her knees. In an up cycle owners hold on thinking that appreciation will offset the lack of progress. In a down cycle owners give up and properties become neglected.

My property on Water Street has been in my family for 57 years. I have a deep affection for my land and buildings and for the Town of Warren. I am hardly a speculator. I had dreams for a new marina and other improvements. I had hoped to do the right thing while making a sound investment. Every attempt to have my concerns and needs addressed has been met with objection. I was told I had to accept the Trust for Public Lands/town encroachment and must donate land for a river-walk if I wanted approval. I resisted extortion and have been forced to litigate my issues.

The recent dust-up over the relocation of the Three Rivers restaurant, the lack of progress on redevelopment of the remaining waterfront portion of the old Warren Lumber Yard, and the complete lack of progress on the Bilodeau and Ciccione parcels at the Town Wharf are all symptoms.

The stone-walling of Tourister is about to come home to roost. The owners were likewise forced to litigate. The town could have negotiated for a compromise, and perhaps even sought contributions to infrastructure such as an improved town sewer service, but the town, at the behest of whomever, instead placed onerous conditions on development. Now a judge will have the final word.

There can be a solution. There needs to be collaboration. The town officials and activists need to come together with waterfront property owners to seek historically sensitive progress.

There also needs to be economic reality. My return on my property, my $1 million-plus investment, is less than a half a percent. You cannot tax, regulate and obstruct property owners to the point of confiscation.

The generosity of Luther Blount, and the continuing contributions of his heirs and extended family, as well as the history of the industrious people of Water Street, should be honored with a waterfront that "works," a "win-win."

Jack Quattrocchi

325 Water St.