A changed landscape
People should take a ride on Route 9 between downtown Lisbon Falls and the Sabattus interchange so they can see for themselves the federal stimulus money at work. The massive tree-cutting project now underway shows how good intentions can have disastrous results. Every last tree in a 100-foot right-of-way is being cut, leaving in its wake a changed landscape.
Route 9 needed to be rebuilt, but the project could have been handled with more sensitivity. MDOT engineers were always resistant to a more scenic reconstruction with narrower shoulders and less tree cutting. Their 100-foot property seizures and take-it-or-leave-it approach to compensation are now matched with callousness in construction. One neighbor of mine was seen crying on the lawn as a huge machine chomped down her decades-old lilac bushes.
MDOT property appraisers said the trees are "of no value" and the project will "increase property values." They claim their work will make "hidden houses stand out."
They are right about that. Take a ride and see for yourself.
Curtis H. Lunt, Lisbon Falls
concerned KD says
Curtis you are correct sir. This is a horrible wrongdoing to those people that live there and enjoy and VALUE in the seclusion those trees offered. who really wants headlights shining into they're windows at night. How this increases property value is beyond me. Whom ever said that needs a reality check and maybe some unwanted landscaping in they're front yard while they are at work. Im sure you would find them weeping in they're front yard if it were they're house. Shame on them for doing this with the homeowners wishes unconsidered. I wonder if this was brought up in a town meeting or if the town just woke up one morning and decided it was the day to do this to these people. Everyone I have spoken to who travels through this area says it looks terrible and wonders why they had to do this kind of road widening project on rt9. Is there not enough other routes trucks are able to take through this area.. So what if it means going the long way around. This is MAINE we are supposed to be commited to the preservation of nature and its wildlife and natural wonders such as the landscape. These homeowners must feel like they're beautiful view of the y're yard has been stolen from them. In my oppinion they HAVE been victimised here. This was completely unnecessary.