This Highway Is Not an Amenity

In "After a Road Cuts Through It, They Plan to Forge On" [Real Estate, July 22], The Post described residents of Longmead Crossing as "content."

Unfortunately, the story glossed over the threat that the intercounty connector poses to the quality of life for our 5,000 residents.

The six-lane highway would cut through the center of the community, bringing noise and pollution to our quiet neighborhood. It would be built on untouched forest and wetlands where residents often stroll, walking their dogs or simply enjoying the greenery.

When we polled our homeowners, we found that 90 percent of those responding opposed the highway. We therefore took an official position against it.

We also held public meetings with officials from the State Highway Administration to discuss issues such as noise barriers, but we have been frustrated with their failure to provide detailed information and with their evasive responses to our questions.

It is unfortunate that the community is gaining wider attention because of the intercounty connector, rather than because of its amenities and attractiveness. Ours is a vibrant, healthy community, and we are committed to maintaining it as such. We will continue to oppose the highway and to attempt to protect our residents from its potential negative effects.

RICK LEVINE

Rockville

DEAN CHOULAS

Germantown

Rick Levine is president and Dean Choulas vice president of the Longmead Crossing Community Services Association Board of Directors. The letter was signed by seven of the nine directors.