In Henniker, dissension is still brewing over the appropriate use of agritourism. The process of debating the controversial agritourism case in Henniker has been painful for the parties involved, as well as for the neighbors and residents of this small community.
The case has given fodder to the media, often portraying those involved in a Hatfield-McCoy scenario, neighbor pitted against neighbor. In our case, this approach strongly appears to be birthed, fostered and fueled by one side.
After four years of litigation and more to come, isnโt it about time that the media takes a step back and gives a few moments of their time, and ink, to the neighborsโ concerns and viewpoints? This case is not about โdevelopers against a farmer.โ This case is about neighbors.
We stand unified as a neighborhood of 16 neighbors/abutters opposing the introduction of a large-scale commercial operation in a rural residential community that will surpass the small farm/retail operation and negatively dominate our previously quiet and harmonious hamlet we call home.
Ideally, people should be able to respectfully disagree on matters. That is not always possible, given the nature of some people.
Professional, unbiased and responsible reporting should support the respectful approach and not nurture the beast, the bully, the disrespectful and arrogant.
We are a community, a respectful alliance of neighbors. We heartily welcome and support agriculture and its appropriate and quantified application of agritourism.
SPENCER BENNETT
and LINDA McGUIRE
Henniker