To the editor:

This letter addresses the concerns about the development of a Dollar General store at the intersection of Sprague Street and East Main Road.

Several abutters, including ourselves, were never notified about the zoning board meeting, held back in March. We just found out that all this took place, therefore we did not have the opportunity to voice our opposition and concerns.

I was told at the building inspector’s office that the letters were sent and furthermore the notice about the meeting was posted in the Newport Daily News. I read that paper every day. Do I read the legal notices? No, does anyone? How many people even get the paper anymore? I think it's time to send these notices out by registered mail.

We have many concerns:

1. The huge traffic impact at this already overcrowded intersection. East Main Road, Sprague Street, Cumberlands and now a large commercial complex, all fighting that short stretch of road. Ridiculous! Increased congestion will also further endanger all the high school students who walk that road every day. There is no shoulder; everyone has to walk in the road. All those cars and headlights will be entering and exiting directly across form two residences, 28 Sprague St. and 18 Sprague St. (two abutters who were not notified — hmm …). All kinds of experts testified for the petitioner, stating there would be no detrimental impact to surrounding properties. I know they get paid well for their "expert" opinions, but do they live near this? No!

2. A special use permit was necessary because of the size of the building — 15,000 square feet. Is that really needed?

3. As of right now, a "non-profit" organization from India owns the land. Look them up, Global Country of World Peace. They have a compound in Iowa. Their goal is to create “permanent invincibility for America.” What are they doing? It is unclear right now whether they are selling or leasing to Dollar General.

4. Lastly, a Dollar Store in Portsmouth? Really? Is this the direction we want our beautiful town to go in? Cheap chain stores? Being lifelong Portsmouth residents, we don't like what's happening. We stopped Target, hopefully we can do something about this situation, too.

Mark and Denise Wilkey

28 Sprague St.

Richard Bruno

18 Sprague St.