Since moving to Bristol, my wife and I love, love, love walking around town, especially the waterfront. The principles set out in the comprehensive plan, zoning rules, and historic district commission guidelines protect the character and uniqueness that lead to an Architectural Digest “Top 25 Small Town in America” tag for Bristol.

After reading the April 19, Phoenix article on the Belvedere proposal, I’m puzzled how a project that breaks just about every rule in so many guidelines is being contemplated without at least considering alternatives.

We’re totally behind preservation and feel sensible new development is a needed ingredient for growth. Before “signing on” to such a massive rule-breaking development, however, I’d like to hear what other options have been or could be put on the table for this highly visible area. I encourage residents to consider the many benefits Rhode Island and Bristol enjoy courtesy of our Historic Preservation bent that make our town special.

And FYI, if you want numbers to back up your gut feeling that living in a historic location is a good deal, check out this report from Preserve RI that features many Bristol side-bars (and one “oops”): bit.ly/preservation-economics - or cut to the chase and just read the Execcutive Summary: bit.ly/preservation-economics-summary.

Dave Guinther

923 Hope St.