Modern rescinds proposal

by Terry Duffy

Responding to comments aired at Town Hall sessions along with other feedback following its proposal to amend its Host Community Agreement with the Town of Lewiston and local law 24C-2, Modern Corporations notified the town this week that it is rescinding that offer.

"Please consider this letter an official notice to rescind Modern's recent request to amend our HCA and local law 24C-2," wrote Gary Smith, PE, chief operating officer of Modern Corp., in a letter to Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Reiter.

In a phone conversation Friday, Smith called Modern's response to the controversy "a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don't' " reaction.

"We decided to stop when discussions went from discussing to personal attacks," said Smith, referring to comments heard at the sessions, outside Town Hall afterward, and later on -- all of which he said were uncalled for. "Some of this went beyond the range of decency," he said.

Smith also scolded the Lewiston Town Board for its inaction. "The Town Board just sat there; they allowed it. We thought it was time to stop," he said.

As a result, "We're going to pursue other options," said Smith.

When asked what those might be, Smith responded, "I'd rather not say. This has gotten out of hand."