Malls should get same scrutiny as casinos

I read the newspaper every morning with a cup of coffee in one hand. Each of those days something I read either angers me or makes me happy. Most of the time, it angers me. Reason being because it is either a murder, unfortunate death, or another scam artist getting away with something as always.

Lately I have had not only the stress of the cost of living like many of us, but the thought of what some land is used for and what true advantage it has on the real people. The real people to me are the residents – the people who have chosen to live their lives in a particular town or state. People who are trying to raise families in those towns due to the good schools, etc.

There is still a debate as many know in reference to a casino being built in the state of New Hampshire.

I read an article this morning regarding this and it makes me laugh when I read how some people or state representatives are noting it will cause crimes.

Have you heard of any crimes in the casinos in Maine or down in Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun? I haven’t. I have, however, read several times about crimes at malls and other shopping areas.

The crimes at malls are there, yet not one developer or state representative can note that for some selfish reason. The casino in Maine has drawn over $70 million in the years it has been there.

I read this morning that a local restaurateur worries that the hotels and restaurants of New Hampshire would lose customers if the state allowed casinos. It is interesting how people can speak about how a casino may threaten their way of life, but when residents speak about how building a mall behind them may affect their way of life, officials in some towns brush that fact under the rug like it is nothing.

When it came to the Outlet Mall being built in Merrimack, nobody stated how that may affect the surrounding hotels, restaurants or current stores that already exist.

Areas such as the mall in Merrimack are going to destroy hundreds of trees, change the residents’ way of life, change the lives of wildlife, increase crime and cause pollution for residents surrounding the area.

Does anyone know the true benefit of trees for us and wildlife? Trees conserve energy, reduce soil erosion, clean the air we breathe, help protect rivers and streams and certainly beautify our communities.

I am by no means stating that a casino is going to be a savior for all of us who live in this state. I am simply trying to make clear that facts and opinions are not the same.

I do understand that the slot machines and card tables do not mean winnings either. But they have been a good source of revenue where they exist.

I also know that some people have a gambling addiction. Some people have a shopping addiction, too. Many are in debt over it, yet nobody notes that fact when it comes to possibly building an outlet mall.

It is interesting how business people can state their concerns, but when residents speak it does not have the same effect. Is it written in the Bible that business people or developers deserve more respect than the people who live in a town?

Use better judgment on what a town or state truly need for the sake of the residents.

Beth Burns is a resident of Merrimack.