The proposed development on Thames Street would be a disaster for Bristol. It is far too big, too ugly and too much for the available parking. It is certainly out of character for the town.

Bristol is a charming town, but charm is fragile, and this type of project destroys its. The town should not be sacrificed for the joys of another pizzeria and rooftop bar. The project offers no redeeming benefits.

It would harm existing businesses by exacerbating an already bad parking problem that has driven some stores out of town. There is no room for adequate parking, and the cars would be dumped onto the streets.

The parking structure on the property was a way to shoehorn in parking for the approval for the Belvedere condos, and the promised landscaping around it was never carried out.

A small building at the corner of State and Thames keeping within the 19th-century style of architecture would finish off State Street. Otherwise, the land would serve better as a parking lot, especially as the town did not exercise its option for the lot behind the library.

The project needs to be halted to help preserve the historic charm of Bristol.

Patrick Barosh

103 Aaron Ave.

Bristol