Domestic Bank

September 8, 2006

Dear Neighbor,

As you know, Domestic Bank has asked for and received a date before City Council Safety Services. Domestic Bank hopes the council will approve an underground propane storage tank in the vacant and unfinished parking lot within our neighborhood. The hearing will be held at city hall in council chambers on Monday, September 11, 2006 at 7:00 pm.

In my opinion, the city council should never had allowed this hearing to go forward as Domestic Bank is currently and flagrantly violating city codes and ordinances. In fact the bank has received a cease and desist order, and cannot use their eyesore of a gravel hole because they refuse to change the curb cut off of Reservoir Ave. Something that would improve an unsafe situation. The city building inspector’s office is also in the process of citing the bank for other violations.

As you know, the president and owner of the bank, Nathaniel Baker, was recently quoted in the Providence Journal discussing his plans regarding all of us. He said of us, "these people will scream loud and long enough to make the city back off. Otherwise, they'll be looking at a gravel lot for a long time.” This is a statement that demonstrates an unparalleled disregard towards all of us, not withstanding one of the most arrogant statements I’ve ever heard uttered from a bank president’s lips. I guess he feels as long as he and his family own the bank they can say and do as they wish no matter how antagonistic and detrimental to us all.

Mr. Baker’s actions are adversely affecting the value of our real estate. Imagine trying to sell your home. Have a family with children pull up to your house with your broker. Watch your broker attempt to find a parking space. Then listen as he attempts to explain what the unfinished dirt hole is about, and the smell of propane exiting the storage tank’s vent. Think you’ll get you’re asking price? Think you really know what the fair market value of your property is? Actually, if we think about it, no family with small children would purchase our homes. They’ll be too concerned for their children’s safety. Besides, where would they play in front of the house in the street? Nope, not there, too much traffic and the street is filled with parked cars.

You know, as I write this I’ve convinced myself that we’re all entitled to an “abatement”. I’m sure the city’s appraiser did not take the bank actions into account while they were conducting the recent reassessment.

Oh yeah, Baker and is bank are adversely affecting our pocketbooks, the character of our neighbor and the quality of life. No doubt about it.

Linda and I have only been living here a year. We’ve been told that Baker and his bank have been bullies for years. It’s time we take back our neighborhood. If we don’t attend this hearing, Baker wins. If we all attend, we show baker and city council that we are of one voice. “That we’re tired and we’re not going to take it anymore.” That they will no longer dictate to the homeowners, taxpayers and voters of this neighborhood will be. We’ll tell them if they don’t listen, the politicians won’t be reelected and the businesses intentionally causing damages will be held accountable. My dad told be once, “the only way to make a bully go away is by punching him in the mouth”. My dad is right. Our signs are a start. Our voices will finish it.

Hope to see all of you Monday night.

Tom Cloonen
24 Richland Road
Cranston, RI 02910
401-944-3954