I’m writing in regard to the Dollar General proposed for Route 114 in Henniker.
As a resident and taxpaying member of the Henniker community, I find it concerning that our village has not demonstrated a higher level of oversight on behalf of its residential homeowners regarding protection from the infringements of creeping commercial sprawl.
The village has appeared to have dropped the ball some years ago when a national drug store chain wanted to build near residential properties and the public rose up in opposition.
That moment should have been a wake-up call and a red flag to the village.
Instead, once again, residential property owners are alarmed over the prospect of yet another commercial chain moving in.
This current situation very likely would have been moot if, some years ago, village leaders had heeded the public outrage of the time and taken responsible measures to avoid a repeat.
It would seem logical that formal re-evaluations of zoning might be prudent on a timely basis so as to keep pace with ever-changing demographics.
On a more general level, it would seem beneficial for the village of Henniker to examine how it wishes to project and indeed protect its overall identity.
Does it want to be known as a unique, quaint community where local owner-operated businesses thrive, or does it seek instead to run after ever more potential tax revenues no matter what the outcomes?
Based upon the reaction at last week’s planning board meeting, it would seem that the majority favors the former.
DONALD PALMATEER
Henniker