Editor:

   This is in response to Brian Norton’s letter to the Sentry, dated Sept. 12. 

  While the Knightville  Mill Creek Neighborhood Association did not endorse the zone text amendment which allowed a four-story building to be developed at 100 Waterman Drive, the members of the association have been in full agreement that improving that particular lot would contribute greatly to Knightville Mill Creek revitalization. Our preference was for a three-story development as it was originally zoned for and therefore would be less of an impact on the neighbors. 

  As for Mr. Norton’s observation that the “rankest of smells” emanate from the sewer treatment facility, and a  “monster bridge” threatens our shoreline, it is well to note that the residents of the area have on very rare occasions been subject to such rank smells, and many of the older residents will tell you that the new monster bridge is less intrusive on the neighborhood than the old bridge which spewed 20,000 vehicles a day onto Waterman and Ocean. We should also note that 100 Waterman, the new four-story building, sits across the street from the sewer treatment facility, and has a bird’s eye view of the “monster bridge.”

   The neighborhood association has worked hard to improve the downtown Knightville Mill Creek area. Three CDBG grants were submitted on behalf of the KMCNA. We were awarded all three. We now enjoy a wonderful playscape in Legere Park that is used by children, and their parents and grandparents, from all over the city. We were awarded the original grant to create the Waterman Drive Improvement Project, an ongoing project, which has elicited additional grants. Finally, we organized a community design workshop to help create our neighborhood planning document, “The Knightville Mill Creek Neighborhood Master Plan.”  While we don’t always agree with her opinions, Rosemarie De Angelis worked tirelessly for the neighborhood when she served as District 3 council member, and the neighbors are grateful for her hard work and many contributions.

  Our neighborhood has many ‘hidden gems.’ Mill Creek Park, portions of the Greenbelt Walkway and the beautiful pier and dock system, “Thomas Knight Landing” at the end of Thomas Knight Park. This facility provides access to the waterfront for recreational boating, fishing and harbor watching and was a federally-funded, city-supported project which afforded Knightville Mill Creek neighbors a chance to volunteer in its creation.

  We hope that “100 Waterman Drive” will enjoy success and contribute to the economic development of Knightville/Mill Creek.  With good will from all, we will succeed.

Leah Muliero, chairman of KMCNA

South Portland