To the Editor:
In regard to Christopher Haraden’s editorial that appeared in the Aug. 19 issue of The Hull Times, I believe the way the Reales first came into town is some of the reason many were inflamed about the Dunes proposal.
When plans for the space were being announced more than three years ago, it was constantly reinforced (oftentimes in this newspaper) that the goal was to bring back a feeling of Hull’s good old days by providing a family- and beachgoer-friendly destination for locals and visitors alike. There was no mention until news broke last year that there were plans to build a mixed-use complex that would include 116 apartments. Intentional or not, this kind of deceit often doesn’t play well, especially when it is a new business coming into town.
In reading Mr. Haraden’s editorial, I wondered if his motive was not only opinion but that he had some vested interested as well. I was quite surprised to learn Mr. Haraden is a resident of Hanover and is a real estate professional.
Respectfully, Mr. Haraden, one can only be suspect about your motivation, affiliated with the project or not.
Joanne Coletta-Levine
Publisher’s note: Hull native Christopher Haraden has been a contributor to The Hull Times since 1987 and has written about development issues for several Boston-area publications. He holds a degree in urban planning and is currently the finance director for a special education collaborative. He is a longtime member of the Hull Historical Society and the Friends of the Paragon Carousel Advisory Board and is writing a book on the history of Paragon Park. He is currently the Contributing Editor for the Hull Times.