Dear BoP customers, patrons, artists, writers, teachers and friends:

As a bookseller and provider of a place for open discussions on all topics - art, science, books, literature (to name a few) - I feel it is my professional duty to not voice an outside opinion.

I have deliberated on the need to not remain silent regarding the development I newly experience at the Town of Charlestown beach. Many of you are aware that I summered in Quonnie as a child, and it is these memories and my business and author experience that brought me back here. As a bonus, I am thrilled to meet all of you and learn about so many of your rich artistic, intellectual, and professional lives.

As a small business owner dependent on visitors to our Ocean State (tourism is RI's third largest industry), without residents and visitors enjoying a right to sit on the beach, our art and writing center has very little chance in succeeding. (I also depend on relaxing after work by and in the water.)

This Friday you are all welcome to come over to voice your experience with the Atlantic Ocean. Property owners who wish to express their concerns with their dynamic property lines are especially welcome. BoP, above all things, is a welcoming place for everyone.

This has obviously been going on for a long time, but the current bill in committee will be voted on in 2022 and it will have a direct impact on all of us, especially small businesses.