As a red, white and blue Bristol girl, who grew up on Oliver Street, spending many days at Independence Park when it was just a pile of dirt and rocks, whose dad walked her around town at 8 years old teaching her the history of this town, passing down stories that his dad told him ... I love Bristol along with its history and charm.

I am NOT against the Thames Street building plan … As I remember from my childhood, the State Street dock was just a dock with an old fish shack on it where we would buy our fish straight off the boats, I don’t remember anyone complaining when they built that large restaurant blocking the water view.

There was also no building on the corner where Empire/Harbor Bath is now. I do not remember any drama going on then when those building were built, blocking the entire waterfront view on the right, consuming the empty lot used for parking, leaving only the small lots we have now. It was change, it did help our town, and in the end it was progress and growth.

I am for change, and YES guidelines do need to be followed. That is why we have boards and rules. I just cannot believe all this drama over this building.

I grew up in this town. I have seen it change. I played on Thames as a child. I graduated from Bristol High School. My parents and grandparents worked in this town. Many of my family is buried in our town’s cemeteries. I also own a business in this town. To see everyone creating so much drama is beyond me.

Bristol’s landscape and people have been changing for hundreds of years, and will continue to change with or without this building. Why all this drama?

Sherri DeChaine

31 Bradford St., Bristol

Ms. DeChaine is owner of Woof!Woof!