This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

A Rebuttal

I would like to rebut a few statements made in the letter "A Great Need," published June 22.

First, as reported in the Valley Courier on Feb. 9, 2023 ("Developers Unveil 'Artisan Village, Face Questions"), the director of development for Honeycomb stated the project "calls for 14 Colonial-style buildings, housing 40 apartments in total, in a single-family district."

Second, yes, the parish council voted on the sale, with four Essex residents voting in favor and the two Chester representatives opposed.

Third, unlike the church council, Chester residents have been unable to get any information from our elected officials. Neighbors of the property have been trying to get information about fire department access, concerns about well water contamination, etc. Our elected officials will not address their concerns because they have not seen a final development plan. However, the people we elected to represent us have spoken with the developers and the church.

Fourth, I would strongly suggest that Chester residents perform their own research into the developers. They may claim to want to be good neighbors, but in reality, they are savvy businessmen who know the affordable housing law and how to use state financing to make a profit.

Chester residents are not opposed to affordable housing. We want affordable housing developed in a planned and reasonable approach. Chester does not need a high-density development as is being proposed.

John Maloney

Chester