Initially I want to respond by asking how long ago was it that the US Navy acquired the properties in question and in what state environmentally speaking were these lands occupied by the Navy.

Will the Navy leave the lands in the condition found so long ago? I doubt that and above all, try to find out who has jurisdiction in certifying the tanker farms, etc. as safe for human residency, as I am sure that developers are just salivating at the opportunity to maximize the profitability offered by possibly 350 acres of undeveloped land.

For my part, I would like to go beyond the "petroleum" product testing and take soil and water sample to send to "independent" laboratories to assess the heavy metals and other toxins and contaminants only now in the process of being discovered.

I hope you all have greater success in determining jurisdiction over ensuring that the areas under discussion are free from hazards to flora, fauna and human exposure. As we all know, often discoveries are not made, too late to have anyone take responsibility for cleanup work, other than the state's taxpayers.

Not that these comments make any difference, we have learned over the years that the "deciders" know best. Look what effort, time and money it took for our community, facilitated by "PreservePortsmouth.org", to prevail on not having "big box" corporations moving into our rural paradise town. Do we have to do this for every development? I would hope not. Why not "grow" forests rather than "harvesting" healthy forests? Again; until standing trees achieve greater value than dead trees, we will have what we have: more of the same.

If we are happy with that philosophy, than so be it and we will reap what we sow, rising seas notwithstanding.

Cheers,

Wernerlll

You didn't mention how President Canario agreed with Councilor McIntyre,on the issue of "group homes". Or that Mr. McIntyre made it perfectly clear about how he felt about the disabled, he was very compassionate about that,and explained himself very clearly to the point. However... Anyone who has lived in this town for many years knows full well how the "group home" on Bristol Ferry road has been nothing short of a nightmare, all through the years.
President Canario can tell you, from serving,and retiring, from the Portsmouth Police department, how many,numerous,sometimes weekly, calls the Police,and Fire department have received to respond to that group home. I lived a stones throw away from it for many years,and saw first hand the serious problems that were happening there(constantly). Calls for fighting, 2-3 am calls for runaways from the home, calls that the "girls were out of control"...Ask how many times our Police officers were tied up there, trying to calm things down, after some(that I know personaly) being jumped,kicked in the groin, scratched...etc..Not to mention the vandalism of near by cars(keyed,broken into)and property damage,when these kids decided to go on a spree, they are not supervised,disciplined,or staffed properly to handle the job,and keep things at the home under control. Leaving our Police,and fire to take up the slack!This is especially a WELL know fact to anyone who lives in the area, and to Portsmouth Police,and Fire...just ask them,and ask President Canario of the history on the Bristol Ferry road Group home. What Mr. McIntyre was explaining(and worried about,with good reason) was that we didn't want to see this sort of thing happen again in this town, and he is right on! I'm saying that just one like this is already TOO much of a burden on our Police officers. This has nothing to do however with wanting to help the disabled, handicapped people who need a good,decent,well staffed place to live. This is why you cannot generalize,and put the"group homes" in one category. I personally do not know of anyone in this town who would like to see another Bristol Ferry road(like) group home come into our town. And as bad as it is I can see how someone such as yourself, Mr. Katzman,and Mr. West, wouldn't have a problem with it at all, because You...living in Island park,packed in like sardines in a can, would never have to worry about any such group home being built in your backyard, Mr. Katzman,and West, know full well that it would never happen in there neighborhoods as well(too upscale), its very easy to say put it there when it isn't going to be in your space. But when our Police,and fire, are tied up, like they are at the group home on Bristol Ferry,doing a job that shouldn't be their responsibility in the first place,and a loved one of yours may need them in a life, or death(real) emergency...Unfortunately...then you will realize how this,under-staffed,very poorly run, "group home" directly effects ALL of us.
Everyone I know that was at the meeting,or watched it on channel 18, knew and understood exactly what Mr. McIntyre was saying,and explaining,as Well as why President Canario agreed with him,and understood completely...its about the differences between"group homes", verses homes for the "people with challenges and disabilities", which I believe that all of us as compassionate human beings in this town would like to see(including,as he said,and explained thoroughly,Mr. McIntyre,and Mrs. Gleason as well). But there must be a written,and yes, detailed, distinction, between the two(homes), so that the people of this town don't end up with another Bristol Ferry road Horror House!
Your last statement"It seems like some folks are more interested in scoring political points than helping people with challenges and disabilities." Is extremely unfair,and extremely incorrect...in my opinion. To say that anyone such as Mr. McIntyre, or Mrs. Melvin, have no interest,or compassion, in helping people with disabilities is a blatant lie,and slanderous.
John said "more interested in scoring political points than helping people with challenges and disabilities." You have now reached an all time low!

Gee -- what a wonderful idea Kathy Melvin had to have an appointed government representative go and inspect the homes. I think we should expand that idea it's so good. How about a council appointed person to check in on EVERYBODY'S living conditions. Picture it -----

*knock knock knock*

"Who's there?"

"It's the Portsmouth home living conditions inspector. Open up so we can see what you're up to."