A Letter To The Editor From Lew Watters Regarding The Dollar General Permit Issue

March 29, 2012

Letter to the Editor,

Along with many fellow Chesterites, I have been following closely the Development Review Board case with regard to having a Dollar General store in Chester. I have heard no substantial arguments in favor of having one of these slick 21st century small retail boxes at the entrance into our village. What I have heard are many concerns that have been eloquently expressed before the board and public.

Here are some of my own personal reasons for denying the Dollar General permit to build on Route 103 across from the Country Girl Diner. First, the Vermont economy has a significant and long standing stake in tourism, which is very much echoed in the businesses found in our picturesque town. Here is what National Geographic's 2009 Traveler survey had to say about our State? "More than any American state, Vermont has worked to preserve those qualities that make it unique," such as scenic countryside, lively small towns, historic streetscapes, local businesses. A tourist magnet in summer, it nonetheless "never seems overrun by visitors." Scores well for "environmental- and social-sustainability practices." This is the sixth annual survey of destination stewardship to appear in Traveler. Conducted by the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations, it revisits some of the iconic places we first surveyed in 2003 and rated in April 2004. Note the quotes are from actual survey respondents. See web reference below.

My wife Bonnie and I have invested our entire productive adult life of over 40 years living in Chester year round in the historic Stone Village on North Street. Whether the Chamber of Commerce, our excellent public schools, the Chester Art Guild, or stewardship of our dear St. Luke's Episcopal Church, we have participated to the fullest extent possible. We are still deeply involved in the annual Open Studio sponsored by the Vermont Craft Council. One important duty is acting as liaison with the Vermont Travel Division and their wonderful welcome centers, especially Guilford on Interstate 91, the main gateway to Vermont where Chester Open Studio participants will again have a display case full of beautiful member creations Memorial Weekend. The Guilford Welcome center is a monument to the commitment our state has in tourism. The staff is professional and well trained. The building and grounds speak of the rich legacy tourists have come to expect of Vermont. In our motor travels across the country, we have not seen their equal. As I write, a new visitor center is near completion on I-91 South just below the junction of I-89. Although not open yet, one can see the structure very clearly from the highway. It has the look of an early 20th century train station, much like our own historic train station in the Depot. The walls are made of brick. Any railroad buff will tell you how the railroads have been of vital importance to the growth of our state, especially in the White River Junction area.

So I ask dear reader, where does Dollar General fit in the above picture?

Lew Watters
250 North St
Stone Village
Chester, VT 05143

http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/destinations-rated/north-america-text/24