Neighbors shouldn't fear speaking out on business expansion plan
(this article was first published in the LifeStyles section of the May 4, 2009 edition of the Lowell Sun. If you're interested in viewing other articles, click here.)

Stress Unit
By MICHAEL HAYDEN, Sun Correspondent
Lowell Sun

DEAR MIKE: My husband and I purchased a home in a nice area of town about eight years ago; the area is residential but there is a business that has been there for decades and was grandfathered into the zoning.

The family that originally owned the business was great. They kept the best interests of the neighborhood in mind any time they did something out of the ordinary. They even went so far as to have the people who plowed their parking lot make sure the neighboring homes never had to worry about snow buildup.

The problems started about two years ago when the family sold out to new owners who are all business and couldn't care less about the neighborhood. When they first took over, a few things happened. I approached them, only to be told that the neighborhood was not their concern, making money was -- they even told me, "Hey, lady, this business was here long before you moved in and it will be here long after you are gone, so get used to it."

Some of the other neighbors are afraid to speak up because there are rumors the new owners have a lot of money and know a lot of influential people in town.

Recently, the town notified us of a hearing on the owners' plans for some sort of expansion and we were invited to speak as neighbors. I want to go but my husband says he's afraid these people will try and make our lives miserable if I go against them. I don't know what to do; have you got any suggestions? -- Diane

DEAR DIANE: My suggestion is to attend this meeting and listen to their plans and how they will affect your neighborhood. Then, if you believe the plans will affect your neighborhood adversely, I would certainly speak on the issue. You might also want to let the people who are running the meeting know you have tried to communicate with these new owners but they have been less than cordial.

Just because the business has been there for years does not excuse these new owners from doing things that have a negative effect on the neighborhood. They may have influence with people in high places but that shouldn't keep you and your neighbors from fighting for what is right. Remember, you are the ones who live there all the time.

Remind your neighbors there is strength in numbers and that if you stick together and remain reasonable in your demands, you will have a good chance of succeeding. Keep in mind these influential people are probably elected officials or work for the elected officials. They have to take heed of the voters if they want to remain elected. Make sure everyone in your neighborhood is registered to vote and that they exercise that right. Good luck. -- Mike

Michael Hayden is a certified anger management counselor who runs Bay State Anger Management and Counseling in Chelmsford. Send questions to him at Stressunit@aol.com or send mail to: Stress Unit, c/o The Editor, Box 1477, Lowell, MA 01853.