Letter of the week, 6/30/08: Houses of worship

[David]

Houses of worship
Editor:

After reading the Record-Journal story of Sunday, 6/22/08, "Concerns over houses of worship in neighborhoods," all I can say to the people of Meriden and Wallingford is: “Been there/done that!”

In 1984, when my grandfather died, his farm in Kensington (on Park Drive) was sold to a Meriden Baptist Church. The pastor was to live in my grandfather’s house and a new church was to be built on the 6 acres of farm land. When the good people of the neighborhood heard of the plan, a petition was started and signed by all and an attorney was hired. They blocked the plan because the church would cause traffic problems in a quiet neighborhood. The pastor died and the church found another building to buy in Meriden.

I don’t know why the story never made the news big time like the present concern does (Wallingford mosque, etc.). I wish all parties involved in the present-day concerns over houses of worship all the best. I hope you can find a plan where everyone is happy.
TOM COSS, MERIDEN

[Wallyworldite]

Houses of worship
Editor:

After reading the Record-Journal story of Sunday, 6/22/08, "Concerns over houses of worship in neighborhoods," all I can say to the people of Meriden and Wallingford is: “Been there/done that!”

In 1984, when my grandfather died, his farm in Kensington (on Park Drive) was sold to a Meriden Baptist Church. The pastor was to live in my grandfather’s house and a new church was to be built on the 6 acres of farm land. When the good people of the neighborhood heard of the plan, a petition was started and signed by all and an attorney was hired. They blocked the plan because the church would cause traffic problems in a quiet neighborhood. The pastor died and the church found another building to buy in Meriden.

I don’t know why the story never made the news big time like the present concern does (Wallingford mosque, etc.). I wish all parties involved in the present-day concerns over houses of worship all the best. I hope you can find a plan where everyone is happy.
TOM COSS, MERIDEN

We didn't read about it because the press didn't think it scandalous enough. We didn't read about it because the Baptists didn't call everyone "bigots" and "prejudiced". We didn't read about it because the Baptists weren't major advertisers in the Record Journal. It is unfortunate that some claim prejudice only when it suits them best but, as you see in Wallingford some only make their claim when their own agenda is one of reverse racism. :(

[citizen]

We didn't read about it because the press didn't think it scandalous enough. We didn't read about it because the Baptists didn't call everyone "bigots" and "prejudiced". We didn't read about it because the Baptists weren't major advertisers in the Record Journal. It is unfortunate that some claim prejudice only when it suits them best but, as you see in Wallingford some only make their claim when their own agenda is one of reverse racism. :(

I think it might have something to do with the fact that the federal law in play today didn't exist in 1984. It's only been around since 2000...