Wasted Opportunity at Exit 67

In a recent letter regarding the proposed Home Depot at Exit 67, developer Richard Hayes makes an excellent point.  After outlining his position in the long-standing dispute, he states: “the end result is after eight years of court proceedings, we no longer have a tenant and the property remains vacant.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Mr. Hayes, the problem wasn’t that there was opposition to the Home Depot.  Of course there was opposition.  Has there ever been big box development where there wasn’t opposition?  Anywhere?  And In Vernon, the opposition is organized, and they are smart.

In my opinion, you chose the worst possible response to your defeat in front of the Wetlands Commission.  You chose to fight it in court.  Twice.

I’ve been an attorney since 1992, and I can tell you that there is no worse value in business than litigation.  The costs are extremely high, and there is no guarantee of any return whatsoever.  I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that your legal bills were into six figures, and you’ve vividly described what you’ve gotten out of it: nothing.

And Vernon residents have more to complain about than just lost tax revenues.  Our lawyers were standing in front of the judge right next to yours, Mr. Hayes.  What possible return can we ever hope to get on those costs?

There’s a pervasive attitude everywhere these days:  No compromise - my way or the highway.  Look where it gets us.  Look in Washington.  In Hartford.  Waste.

So what can the “politicians” do?  The town administration is in a unique position to provide all the information, and the forum, for the parties to work together, like adults, to find the best solution.  That’s how successful businesses operate – they work to avoid litigation.

But in Vernon, the administration instead chooses sides, and the merry-go-round continues. 

Mr. Hayes, as Mayor I pledge that I will work with you to develop that parcel in a way that can make Vernon proud, and that can give you a healthy return on your investment.

Regarding my wife, there is no question that she afforded me a front row seat to the Exit 67 saga over the years.  This coming January marks the 30^th anniversary of our first date.  After all this time, I can say for certain that she is a reasonable person. 

And I’m glad she’s on my side.