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Members of the Lynn Lions Club are receiving a painful lesson in the often personal, occasionally shortsighted, and sometimes bullying nature of politics as it is practiced in their home city.
An affiliated organization, Camp Lion, received a gift of some 70 acres of wooded land on the Lynn-Salem line back in 1952. Eight years ago — anticipating the need for an additional revenue stream — the group decided to sell the 15 acres closest to Highland Avenue (Route 107) in Salem to a development group which has plans to build a new Lowe's home improvement store and expand the existing Walmart on that site.
The project has been carefully scrutinized by Salem politicians and planners over the last several years. They've approved zoning changes and are in the process of permitting a project they believe will produce jobs and tax revenue without putting an undue burden on the environment or surrounding neighborhoods.
That's the way things are usually done in Salem, where there's a recognition that the best development comes from working with property owners to fashion a project which, while it might not please everyone, works best for the city as a whole.
In Lynn, on the other hand, where the most vocal opponents of the Lowe's project include a city councilor who recently purchased a home in the area and a state representative whose parents live nearby, these woods only became a precious natural resource when it became apparent construction was about to move forward.
As for the traffic congestion they fear so much, most of it is created by Lynn residents coming to Salem to take advantage of the shopping and other services available on Highland Avenue. Oh, and there's also the fact that a few years ago some genius decided to narrow Route 107 from four lanes to two as it enters Lynn.
Given that city's rather sad record in attracting new business development, it's safe to say Lynn officials would be expressing great indignation if it were Salem officials trying to attempt to scuttle a project there.
The Salem Planning Board when it meets next week should not allow itself to be unduly pressured by the politicians, wildlife advocates and others sure to descend on their meeting from the city next door.
Meanwhile it's good to see members of Camp Lion are not backing off from their decision to sell off a small portion of their property so they can continue their good works — including the provision of space for camping and other recreational pursuits by the Boy Scouts, Camp Fire and other organizations.
"A contract is a contract," Camp Lion vice president Sean Crowley told reporter Stacie Galang last week. "This is the United States of America, and you run by the rule of law."
