(Ed.s note: The following was sent to the Port North Civic Association and reprinted here at the writer's request.)

I have prepared this letter to serve as my formal resignation as secretary of this organization. I joined the group with my naive thoughts that the group would grow into a large organization of concerned residents and realize that after a few years it still consists of the same few people with very strong, often one-sided opinions.

My opinions on the developments in our village (Lewis Oil, waterfront and 41 acres) have always been based on my experience as a civil engineer and not my emotions. I think this was evident in my personal letters to the village, as I tried to point out the technical deficiencies of the proposed developments so that the village could address these issues before any decisions were rendered. I constantly strived to see that the village would make educated decisions, so that if senior housing or a Stop & Shop came into our village, that they would actually be a viable choice based on basic land planning practices.

This leads me to the latest letter that was mailed or delivered to every Port North resident regarding an "Urgent Alert" that the village should still consider preserving the 41 acres as open space. This letter did not represent my opinions, nor did it have any approval for distribution. The letter was based on a few people's opinions and I feel that it was improperly endorsed by the Civic Association. I no longer feel that the Civic Association represents what I stand for and I am left with no option, but to resign.

Bob Keane