Eleanor Stokes: Conway looks like it is becoming a place locals stay away from

You will get your wish if Biden becomes president. You will only go where you are told.

Eleanor,

First of all, God bless you. Reaching the age of 94 is no small accomplishment. I myself am now considered a senior citizen by virtue of my chronological age, even though I may not see myself that way. I suppose being advanced in years gives us a certain perspective on life, occasionally referred to as wisdom.

If I’m understanding the crux of your letter, it sounds like you’re concerned with the speed and direction at which our idyllic part of the world has been developing.

I too am concerned. I recall fondly when there was a single flashing traffic light at the intersection of Rt.302 and Rt.16. as well as the old airport and the Volvo Classic. And while the old adage, “you can’t stop progress,” may be true, you can certainly slow it down or redefine what progress looks like.

I believe the Mount Washington Valley area is in danger of, if not already, crossing over the line of no return since the days of that single blinking traffic light. It is reassembling so many other towns that have embraced the trappings of economic growth to find itself devoid of any special character or uniqueness that initially brought visitors to their doorsteps. Not to mention all of the deleterious results that come along with that kind of rapid development. We have all experienced increased congestion, rude behavior, and lack of respect for our ordinances. Not to mention empty retail shops and stores due to over-saturation of markets and competing dollars.

So, as for the wisdom of age, I know this, if we continue to go in the direction and speed at which we appear to be, the very thing that has attracted so many to our area will vanish into our memories. Maybe it’s time for the planners to re-examine what progress looks like.