Opinion/Letters: Gateway Airport expansion will increase noise, air, water pollution

Expanding Gateway Airport even farther into a densely populated area — exposing residents to even more noise, air and water pollution than at present — seems like a terrible idea. Doing so in an attempt to create demand that doesn't already exist seems like insanity.

Karen Roberts, West Yarmouth

Chatham shopkeepers, please bring back big shopping bags

I believe that the Main Street stores in Chatham could improve their service to customers. After spending a recent Tuesday afternoon there, I discovered the next morning that I was missing one of my bags that contained approximately $200 worth of merchandise. I knew immediately why this happened. In all my previous shopping trips anywhere, I have been accustomed to easily getting a nice, compact, large shopping bag with pleasure from shopkeepers, but when I inquired with someone in one of the Chatham shops, I received an alarming answer. They simply did not carry larger bags.

I was forced to spend my vacation time phoning the police, the Chamber of Commerce and most of the stores I had traversed. At that time, I inquired as to why shopping was made such a hardship in Chatham. One of the store managers even admitted that large bags are too costly for the stores, with no words of encouragement as to making life easier for the customers who need to always pay close attention by clutching their rightful possessions.

One owner accused me of not understanding their “bottom line”. I assured her that after an epic career in medical sales, I was completely capable of relating, but I do have reasonable expectations where service is concerned. It was recommended that I come back to Chatham from Dennis Port to retrace my steps in order to find my missing merchandise. I recommended that a town meeting be called to make larger bags a part of respectable shopping once again.

On Thursday morning I did return, something extremely inconvenient, but I was happy to do my own search. I am sure that many people would agree that resort-area stores have a certain responsibility to those who flock there in droves and pay their salaries. It would be even more alarming to me to wake up to the reality that consideration is no longer in the dictionary.

Laura A. Osborne, Dedham

Visitor praises Cape Cod's local businesses, land preservation

In August 1976, I made my first visit to Cape Cod with my wife’s family. That was quite a transition for an old southern boy who grew up making family trips to the beaches along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastlines. But with each subsequent visit, Cape Cod continued to hook my heart.

After a seven-year hiatus, 32 family members returned to the Cape in late July. We descended upon Falmouth. Disappointment never intruded.

From our first glimpse of the rugged Bourne Bridge to the last spoonful of clam chowder at Pier 37 Boathouse, we made the most of our week.

Scrunched in three houses, our daily treks to the beach required the logistical precision of a military landing. But once there, we appreciated the well-maintained beaches and the attentive lifeguards.

We loved our outing to watch a Cape Cod Baseball League game as the Falmouth Commodores battled the Hyannis Harbor Hawks. It was clear from the attendance that your citizens appreciate what this league brings to each community.

No matter where we ventured, the merchants and local residents were polite and helpful.

On our last morning, some of us took the short hike to The Knob. We were not disappointed with the spectacular water views.

And in all honesty, I think that is what I admire the most about the character of Cape Cod — the capacity to hold and preserve cherished land.

I pray your hearts never let go of that gritty grip.

Bill Pike, Richmond, Virginia

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Opinion: Hyannis airport expansion creates burden for residents