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Letter: Overlay district stifles business growth

Editor, Gazette-Journal:

During the few years the toll was removed from the Coleman Bridge, Gloucester experienced a growth spurt that will not be experienced again until un-tolled access returns. That growth spurt was used as justification for creating the Highway Corridor Overlay District (HCOD). In reality, the HCOD was established to satisfy aesthetic and financial gain desires of a few rich persons.

What the HCOD actually did was stifle business growth and remove control of property use from the owners. How does this benefit the people of Gloucester or prospective businesses? It doesn’t. During the time the HCOD was set in place, the economy was good and people were not paying attention to government. Fortunately, more people are paying attention now.

In a recently printed letter David Peebles mentioned the numerous years of support of the HCOD by the planning commission, board of supervisors and administration. Statistics indicate we the people have not seen any signific...

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