To the editor:
After watching the last city council meeting on Zoom and reading the letter in last week’s Post (“Push to take Metacomet by eminent domain needs to slow down,” November 26 edition) written by Rick Lawson, it occurred to me that some of our appointed and elected officials are confused as to what needs to be done to save the green space of Metacomet and what the overall purpose of the grassroots group Keep Metacomet Green (KMG) is.

I hope by this letter to inform these naysayers about the correct way to go about serving their constituents regarding Metacomet.

In order to proceed with either a friendly purchase or a taking by eminent domain, a fair market value needs to be established, so all of the parties involved are dealing with correct and verified numbers pertaining to the worth of Metacomet golf course. The best plan is for the City Council to hire an independent land use lawyer who will then proceed to have the property appraised by an independent professional. This lawyer would be familiar with eminent domain and would therefore know the best way to go about getting the appraisal of the land accomplished.

Keeping it like it is, making it public or semipublic, and reviving the venue, especially for weddings, large conferences, and corporate golf outings, to name just a few, seems an ideal solution. Metacomet has been proven to be a money maker in the past and can be again with proper management. We must find that fair market value and then we can start to talk about plans on a level playing field. Is it the price Marshall paid? Let’s find out! No more make believe numbers flying around. No more talking in circles because everyone has a different number. Retaining a land use lawyer and undertaking an appraisal will be the turning point for both sides.

KMG was formed to save Metacomet from massive unnecessary demolition of pristine green space while keeping an open mind to the wants of the residents. KMG strives to keep Metacomet green and hopes for no upheaval of dirt that would affect the Indian artifacts that many believe are embedded on the land. We are also open to other public land uses.

Many fabulous ideas have been suggested and, when the time comes, those suggestions can be put into the mix. KMG members have done their homework and are well versed in the rules and ordinances and resolutions. We know which elected and appointed officials are trustworthy and which ones turned their backs on their voters. Which ones deliberately deceived East Providence residents and which ones are working hard for all the people in East Providence, not just for the ones in their ward.

Please contact your Councilperson and tell them you are in favor of an independent counsel and an appraisal. If you happen to live in a ward where your Councilperson has already voiced a negative response, then contact him again, and make sure to contact the Council people who have supported this plan to let them know you appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

It really is a travesty when the people of East Providence have to fight so hard every step of the way to get their voices heard over that of a developer who on the one hand, extolls the virtues of building during a pandemic and on the other hand is destroying not only beautiful green space but also our quality of life.

Heather Pangborn Andrade
Riverside
Member of Keep Metacomet Green