Lincoln Journal
Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Letter: Missions of groups is given closer look

In (a July 17) letter to the editor by Massport Board member James Coull, Mr. Coull claims that the National Trust was "hoodwinked" in designating Minute Man National Historical Park and the four towns surrounding Hanscom Field as among the 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites this year. Let's set the record straight by looking at each group's mission.

Massport's mission is to expand Hanscom. It is investing millions of dollars to beef up runways and towers and parking lots to do just that. Right now it is encouraging FedEx to add cargo service at Hanscom, which just for starters could mean 28 tractor trailer truck trips through the National Park every day.

On the other hand, The National Trust's mission is to preserve our nation's history. This group sees an obvious case for concern regarding Minute Man Park and the many historic sites that could be overrun by Massport's growth plans. For this group, it is not about revenue and aviation growth. It is about protecting places that are important to all of us.

The National Trust has not been hoodwinked. If you fall for the Massport spin from Mr. Coull, you have been hoodwinked.

Jim Hutchinson

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