To the Editor:

   Thank you to the Rockland Selectmen for arranging the December 9 
non-binding referendum allowing voters to express their opinion on the 
megamall proposed for the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station ("Mall Vote 
Scheduled," Rockland Mariner 11/10/00).

   This is the first time that any community has been able to vote 
specifically on the mall issue. When Rockland voters approved the reuse plan 
in 1998, we were told by a selectman that the plan "...has nothing to do with 
the Mills Corporation." At that time, we were not voting yes or no on the 
mall, we were voting on the reuse plan itself. 

   The Mills Corporation's megamall is not part of the reuse plan. It is a 
use for the retail acres. So a vote against the megamall is not a vote 
against the plan, it is only a vote against the megamall. If Mills pulls out, 
the South Shore Tri-Town Development Corporation (SSTTDC) and the reuse plan 
are still in place.  

   It is said that the base redevelopment project needs "an economic engine" 
to drive it. I am willing to agree that some revenue must be generated by the 
site in order to maintain it, but the using the Mills megamall as an 
"economic engine" is like putting a jet engine on a paper airplane. The 
project is much too large for this area. According to figures released by 
Mills, the Weymouth project would attract over 14 million visitors per year. 
To put this in perspective, Disney World in Florida attracts 15 million, 
Foxwoods attracts 14 million, and Disneyland in California attracts 13 
million visitors per year. Think about it. Can this area support that kind of 
traffic, that kind of water and sewer use? 

   Most Mills megamalls are away from residential areas and adjacent to major 
interstate highways. The Weymouth project is surrounded by residential areas 
in a region already choked with traffic. Road improvements associated with 
the megamall project total well over $100 million. Should this kind of money 
be spent on access to a tourist-destination shopping mall? Or would it be 
better spent on local road improvements that benefit local residents and a 
smaller base redevelopment project?

   The SSTTDC and Mills remind us constantly that there are other aspects to 
the reuse plan besides the mall, and this is true. But Mass Highway officials 
have said that although the mall will occupy only 14% of the base acreage, it 
will account for over 70% of the traffic. No one will be able to get to the 
recreational areas, the senior housing, the golf course. Would you fight mall 
traffic to go for a walk or play golf? I wouldn't. Do you want to listen to 
your kids beg you to take them to the mall after their soccer game? Would a 
senior citizen want to drive home through mall traffic?

   The economic, political, and social climate has changed since we approved 
the reuse plan. We are now fully aware of the size of this project and the 
overwhelming negative aspects. I feel certain that area residents would let 
go of a grandiose tax dollars fantasy in order to protect and preserve their 
quality of life.

   The departure of Mills creates an opportunity for a greater vision for the 
development of the valuable land at the base. With Mills gone, we can then 
work together with the SSTTDC, in an open, public process, to adjust the 
existing plan to one that addresses the legitimate needs of the communities 
while working within the limitations of the site.

   The Mills Corporation has said that it will not go where it is not wanted. 
The Mayor of Weymouth, the host community of the base, has rejected Mills 
after traveling to two of its projects and seeing for himself what a megamall 
does to a community. A majority of Abington Selectmen do not support the 
megamall and are asking for alternatives. Now it is Rockland's turn to take a 
stand. Vote no on the megamall question on December 9. Three strikes and 
they're out - Mills, take your mall and GO HOME!

Linda May Ellis
Rockland, MA

COMPARE (Citizens Opposing the Megamall and Proposed Access Road Extension)
Box 890024 Weymouth, MA 02189
[email protected]

For related info, see http://www.geocities.com/nomegamall/ and http://www.rethinkthebase.com and http://hometown.aol.com/rethinkthebase/