In response to “Ocean One is ideal location for retail center” by Gary Vorsheim, I agree that the recent denial of Atlantic Fields was the right decision, and that there is demand for some of the stores that were proposed. However, relocating this type of development to Route 1 is not a real solution.
Moving the project to the Ocean One site simply shifts the burden to another community. While it may seem like a compromise that avoids being labeled “not in my backyard,” it still creates the same long-term problems. The roads and surrounding infrastructure in that area are already strained, and additional retail traffic will only increase congestion and safety concerns along Route 1.
This proposal also does little to address the region’s larger needs. It does not create enough full-time, livable-wage jobs to meaningfully support residents. It will likely pull customers away from existing local businesses rather than strengthen them. It does not solve housing concerns, nor does it reduce traffic pressure along the corridor. Instead, it risks accelerating overdevelopment while removing open space along Route 1 and adding environmental strain to an already busy coastal area.
We should be asking whether every available parcel along Route 1 must be developed simply because it can be. A more thoughtful alternative would be to consider development farther west along Route 113, where infrastructure can be expanded more responsibly and where growth may be better integrated with the needs of local communities.
There is a difference between responsible growth and shifting problems from one town to another. If we truly want development that benefits residents, supports local businesses, protects open space and fits our infrastructure, we need to plan carefully and choose locations that can sustain it long term.
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