To the editor:

Approval of the redevelopment of the Robin Rug Building appears to be a done deal, pending resolution of the affordable housing component of the plan. Bristol has seen much development over the last few decades and the town is certainly a more vibrant place than when I was growing up here. However, there is a point at which development can adversely affect the character of a town.

Arguments for the Robin Rug Project include increased patronage for local businesses, increased public access and preservation of a historic structure. But who will benefit the most? Certainly the developers, the few residents who live there, and perhaps some businesses will benefit. However, I do not see how the quality of life for the average Bristolian will improve.

While there are many beautiful and architecturally valuable buildings in Bristol, the Robin Rug building is not one of them. The building is overly large for the site and there is minimal setback from the sidewalk. Even if the developers include a plan for public waterfront access, that will not compensate for the unattractiveness and physical dominance of the structure. In the area around Robin Rug, direct water views already exist from the new marina, as well as from Rockwell Park. Furthermore, we don’t need more cars on the road. Who thinks it is a good idea to increase traffic in the downtown area?

Is this the only way forward? Does Bristol need additional tax dollars so badly? Are there better alternatives? Looking at the rear of the building there is at least one smaller structure that appears to be more historic. Is preservation of sections of the complex possible, supplemented by newer, smaller structures that are more to scale for the site? A true mixed-use development with more green space would be a better fit.

As others pointed out at last week’s Town Council Meeting, there are major issues to consider. The EPA website documents two environmental citations with fines to the developers from 2017 and again from work done in 2020 in Pawtucket. To quote Maya Angelou, “When people tell you who they are, believe them”. A critical point was made by Catherine Zipf about sea level rise, which is a current and future reality. We only need to look as far as Misquamicut and Cape Cod to see towns that are struggling to find the funds to save existing buildings.

Initiatives gain momentum and I believe this project proposal to be a short-sighted initiative that is barreling along. It appears that the town is now at the point where the only concerns are density and affordable units. Even on those points, the developers seem to be getting their own needs met. Bristol wouldn’t be the first town to regret a major decision.

There are towns and cities who have welcomed businesses such as casinos and pollution-generating plants because they desperately needed the tax dollars. Bristol is a well-run municipality with a solid tax base. Why are we willing to diminish the quality of life of its citizens to save an eyesore? Is this the best the town leaders can do for us?

Barbara Byrnes Robinson
51 Seabreeze Lane