To the editor:
Several years ago, a former administrative law judge sued a dry cleaning establishment for $ 67 million. The reason? They failed to return his pants on the date promised. I’m happy to report the judge lost his case but not before the case made it nearly to the U. S. Supreme Court. Nevertheless it was a hollow victory for the dry-cleaner since the case cost him over $100,000 in legal fees. If nothing else, this case shows how a court insider can exploit and abuse the justice system for selfish and frivolous goals.
In the case of the Tiverton Yacht Club, our neighbor, a lawyer, has challenged every single permit we have. Losing in almost every venue, our neighbor continues appeal after appeal with little effect — except huge legal expenses for the club.
The yacht club has been in its current location since 1956. It is a legal non-conforming use — meaning our right to be there is grandfathered. Court attitudes about non-conforming use have been changing however, and so in a recent ruling the Superior Court said we needed zoning relief in order to restore the club to its condition before the fire.
The club does not wish to expand or change. The proposed change in zoning would merely recognize what is already there. In addition, the zone change would also make about nine other properties in the area conforming.
In a letter to the Times last week, Mr. Campbell asserted that it’s all about the marina. Yet last week, he had us before the town’s Building Code Appeal Board to hear his plea to shut down our swimming pool. Make no mistake about it — Mr. Campbell is out to close down the yacht club. He has challenged every aspect of our operations. In fact our temporary bathroom probably holds the state record for most appeals over a toilet — over a dozen and counting.
In another letter last week, 9-year-old Remy Escher expressed the hope that she and her friends would be able to continue swimming and sailing at the club. To Remy and her friends let me just say this: Continue to enjoy the club just as many children and adults have been for over 50 years. The club is not closing and we will soon have a new clubhouse.
Greg Jones
Vice commodore, Tiverton Yacht Club