To the Editor:

As the owner of the Quarterdeck Marina in Bath, I recently have had to recreate my business model as we now have a Family Dollar that has taken all my convenience store business and a local gas station that is selling their gas for less than I can buy it, I am forced to either close my doors or recreate myself.
I thought there would be great niche to hold wine and craft beer tastings on my rooftop which hosts a beautiful view of the water with a nice breeze. I recently applied to have alcohol on the roof as I am only allowed to have it inside and outside the store but not on the rooftop.
Three of the neighbors who do not live in the Town of Bath came out to oppose the action, and when it was approved one screamed what about our rights?
My question is whose rights are being violated? I am business owner trying to make a profit and I am following all the town guidelines and ordinances. I ask that you show me where I am violating any of the laws?
Your rights are the right to complain if the noise gets to loud or call the police. Have I ever been too noisy in the last 9 years? You never called.
Why in the world do you buy a home near a Marina that has existed for over 40 years (once as a full bar) and not research the local ordinances and find out what the business is allowed to do before you purchase the home?
Did you use a realtor who explained this to you? If not perhaps you should complain to your realtor.
Buyers of real estate if you are considering buying a house with a beautiful wooded area behind the house, do your research on the possible future uses of that land instead of calling the developer evil for trying to run an honest profession that has all the rights of the law. This applies to many areas other than wooded areas, such as new highways coming that create noise in your neighborhood. Are you going to sue the highway department?
One solution that I think works in most cases when two people are at odds is go talk to the person face-to-face. Most people are civil and not so bold as they would be in a letter, email, lawsuit or public forum. Try to see things from both sides and usually a happy medium can be reached.
In Matthew 18:15 we read, “Moreover, if they brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
Would that not be the kinder and gentler way instead of lawsuits, and defaming someone’s character causing harm to their livelihood. We were personally attacked last night with a public forum with statements that were simply not true.
Small business owners do not have the luxury of a regular paycheck, benefits, and retirement. We typically work from 60-80 hours are week and never have the business leave our mind. We try to make ends meet, and yes we are educated people. And yes I am creating honest jobs in a Tier 1 county that is struggling.
We like the opportunity to be our own bosses, not to become rich like most people think and yes that comes with risk. I understand that I may fail. But with increased regulations and sometimes doubling of state and local fees, I have to find ways to drive revenue and support my family.
I understand you are concerned about noise and I will do everything to respect that request.
I ask that you offer me that same respect.

Cindy Baldwin
Quarterdeck of Bath