To the editor:

Congratulations Westport for voting at Town Meeting to purchase 30 acres of land currently known as the Westport Camping Grounds. My family and I are pleased that this land will stay in town and used for whatever purposes benefits all.

And it is wonderful that no taxes had to be increased as available funding was used. Thanks to Dick Brewer, current selectman, and Joseph Ingoldsby, chair of the Campground Evaluation Committee, for making the case why Westport needs to acquire this important parcel. Many boards studied this proposal thoroughly and it was a pleasure to work with them to make this acquisition happen.

In the early 1900s, my grandparents, Joquim and Maria Costa, immigrants from Portugal and with little money, purchased this land and farmed it. My Dad, who was born on this property, built the camp in 1973 with the help of his two sons, my brother Alan and myself. Over the years, thousands of families enjoyed Westport's beauty while camping here. To this day, many share the wonderful memories of summers in Westport.

And now, 100 years later, it is time to return this land to Westport with gratitude for its support and opportunity. We are all so fortunate live in Westport.

Martin Costa

Co-owner/operator,

Westport Camping Grounds, Inc.

Westport