To the editor:
There is a growing group of concerned members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn (members who strongly support the environment) who strongly oppose the church’s position on the easement.
We question the church’s “estimate of damages” and have been urging the church to pursue the option of mediation with the town in which a “win-win” solution can be sought that can benefit the town, the neighborhood, and the church.
It is our view that the position of the church goes against what we, as long standing members of the congregation, believe the Unitarian Universalist Church stands for, i.e., openness and generosity to the community, sharing its resources, and a willingness to engage with the community to seek a result that benefits all the parties.
We are deeply disappointed that this proposed $6 million-$8 million additional cost, (an amount that likely would not be awarded by a court) has been cast just before Town Meeting so as to have the potential to undermine the school project.
We urge the people of Swampscott, and the members of Town Meeting, to view this communication from the Unitarian Universalist Church as a worst-case scenario and that it is certainly far from being a foregone conclusion.
And we again urge the church to pursue a process based on collaboration with the town through mediation.
Toni Bandrowicz
Martha Curry
Tara Gallagher
Jeff Gunther
Marcy Gunther
Don Pinkerton (former member)
Mark Whisky Wolinski
Nancy Wolinski
Stephen Young
