Faith Goldstein (The Capital, Jan. 2) attacks opponents of Crystal Spring. I sincerely disagree.

First, many letters of opposition are from city residents and taxpayers in Annapolis. Ms. Goldstein worked with former Mayor Ellen Moyer; has she forgotten that this dedicated city resident and well-respected leader opposes the Crystal Spring development plan?

Secondly, my address is Annapolis. My children attended local schools. I am an active senior and patronize city establishments. Crystal Spring proponents argue that if we do not live within the city limits, we are not impacted, and should not voice an opinion. Besides having the right to freedom of speech, the impact on us would be serious.

Five hundred homes, large retail facilities, a hotel and staff and 1,000 new residents would clog our roads and schools. Permanently destroying 40 acres of mature forest would be pollution. As a physician, I am acutely aware of well-documented health impacts of water pollution already in the South River.
Recently, one downed telephone pole caused a 14-hour traffic jam, hampering emergency services. Unbridled development will compromise health and safety.

Thirdly, I am a proud Hispanic American. My father earned citizenship enlisting and honorably serving during World War II. I am a senior board member of a nonprofit committed to the future of our Hispanic community through a strong foundation of education.

Ms. Goldstein’s rhetoric about “Spanish community” leaders’ support begs for scrutiny. Big profits going out of state, with temporary and menial jobs remaining, do not grow our human capital.

I am firmly opposed to this project until our communities’ long-term needs are served.

Let’s hope common sense prevails and we modify this huge project. Let Annapolis be a model for small historic cities. We need to demonstrate prudent, wise leadership.

Dr. REYNALDO RODRIGUEZ

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