In Jan. 1776, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet called “Common Sense” that quickly became an immediate sensation. Common Sense had the largest sale and circulation of any book published in American history, and we can all be certain it was read aloud in many taverns and meeting places in colonial Bristol, R.I.

One major thought of Common Sense deemphasized economic arguments in favor of moralistic ones. Even 242 years later, that standard can still apply.

On March 1, at a Bristol (HDC) Historic District Commission Public Hearing, the developer of a Thames Street project requested and was granted a continuance to be held jointly with the Bristol Planning Board Public Hearing of March 8 to once again discuss the proposed Thames Street project.

At the March 8 meeting in front of both Bristol boards, as well as a packed audience of Bristol taxpayers, the developer decided at the last moment to not attend the meeting he had requested only seven days previous — a right he has, but the timing left many wondering and frustrated.

Last week the Bristol Phoenix ran a front page article on the proposed Thames Street project. In that article, the Phoenix said the developer “has been making his case to anyone who will listen.” Those in attendance at the March 8 meeting listened and heard loudly, as a majority of Bristol Planning Board Members spoke with passion and commitment that this current planned Thames Street project will not be granted unless changes are made to: height of the building, length of the building, footprint of the building, and mass of the building. As well as major reduction in the total number of variances needed from the Town of Bristol.

Not one person said there should not be A building on the lot; just not the building proposed under the current plans submitted.

Paine said in Common Sense “ all plans, proposals, are like the almanac of last year; which tho’ proper then, are superseded and useless now.”

Common sense would be for any developer to listen to the town boards and work with them on suggested changes board members are insisting upon and need to be followed in dealing with new construction.

Tom Bergenholtz

366 Hope St.

Bristol