I have lived in Guilford for 11 years having moved from Ridgefield. Although I wear blinders to the less desirable aspects of our town, like most residents, we have one glaring issue that I cannot avoid seeing. Guilford has become a town of fast food, big box stores, and generic subdivisions.

I run and ride on our streets every day. Whereas you might see one or two construction sites from your car each day, I see dozens. Every last green space in our town is being demolished in the vein of “development.” Is this sort of wanton destruction of our natural environment a good idea in the midst of a global climate crisis? Our planet has lost 50 percent of its bird, mammalian, and insect life in the last 50 years. The number one reason is habitat loss, with climate change becoming an increasingly important number two.

I encourage everyone to look at the Google Earth Timelapse project and enter our zip code. If that amount of “development” isn't highly distressing, then maybe my message will fall on deaf ears.

Like many people, we chose Guilford for its family-friendly environment, natural assets in preserves and beaches, and good schools. I don't want to live in a place that values the almighty tax dollar over a healthy environment and historic small town charm and values. If I want more Dunkin Donuts (we are building our fourth) and more neighbors, there are plenty of towns with lower taxes around us. The idea of infinite growth in a world of finite resources is a fallacy, and Guilford would do well to review and articulate a town plan and vision. With the eye of an outsider, Guilford is becoming less and less appealing.

Kameron Shahid

Guilford