To the editor:

Last week the Bristol Phoenix ran a lengthy letter to the editor, “A different perspective on Yarn Mill Square Footage,” written by Georgina Macdonald concerning Robin Rug. Her letter quickly turned into a series of mistruths against Friends of Historic Bristol (FHB).

As E.B. White said, “Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.” Ms. Macdonald is entitled to her own opinions, but not her own facts.

Today the country and the world are divided by opinions that are not backed by facts. The recent presidential election was stolen — an opinion that spreads and divides Americans, yet no facts exist to substantiate that really happened. Or that the way in Ukraine is to rid the nation of Nazis — yet no facts to this exist.

Let’s look at facts versus opinions concerning Ms. Macdonald’s letter.

Opinion: She stated FHB is against developing Robin Rug.

Fact: FHB was quoted in the Phoenix last week stating the organization is all for the development and wishes the developers well. Just go by the laws. FHB is also on record at the Bristol Planning Board meetings stating the same supportive position.

Opinion: She states that FHB is made up of newcomers to town. And merchants are missing out on NEW residents buying products and services and FHB is made up of people who have relocated to Bristol.

Fact: Members of FHB have been lifetime residents of Bristol and some others who have been here for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50+ years.

Fact: When one relocates to Bristol they are in fact those NEW residents buying products and services here and paying property taxes.

Opinion: She states one must be an affluent resident to make generous donations to our museums and other charities.

Fact: Donations are made by all social, political and economic groups. One does not have to be affluent.

Opinion: She states that FHB sunk the Belvedere Project.

Fact: It was the Bristol Zoning Board of Appeals that denied that development based upon real facts and concerns they had.

Opinion: She closes by stating if FHB had been formed earlier they sure would have opposed the Stone Harbor development.

Fact: Ms. Macdonald continues to create her own facts. FHB was not around then so please stop with the misinformation about what FHB would have done.

In 2016, 140 Bristol residents (some I am confident may have just relocated here) developed the Bristol Comprehensive Plan that was approved by RI in 2017 and expires in 2027. The Plan is the primary land use document for Bristol regarding the stewardship of our town and serves as a blueprint for action by Town boards. It is a great read.

The Plan states, “…ultimately, the existence of a dedicated and passionate citizenry will ensure that stewardship in the decades ahead.”

I am confident that facts will bear this out.

Tom Bergenholtz
Hope Street