To the Editor:

I urge Wilmington voters on March 2 to vote “no” on article 2 and let the pergola remain in the Bank Park. The divisiveness and negativity over this issue in the past year or so has made our town look worse than any pergola could. It’s time to put this issue to rest and move forward with far more important matters.

I suspect many people, like me, are very tired and resentful of all the time and attention consumed by the issue of the pergola. If article 2 passes and the pergola is removed, many more hours will be needed to deal with unanswered questions about the pergola and the park (i.e., how to safely remove the pergola? where to relocate the pergola? what, if anything will replace it in the bank park?, etc.). I for one would like our elected and appointed officials spending their time and energy on much more substantive matters.

When the pergola was first erected I, admittedly, was a bit overwhelmed with the size of it. But as the stonework was added, the trees planted, and the wood faded to a grayish color, I grew to appreciate its place and function in the park. This winter, the lights on the pergola brightened up the main intersection and were a focal point of our town. I’m looking forward to spring and summer as the wisteria plants grow up the posts and into the waves. The Bank Park needs a structure and this pergola adds interest and liveliness to the town in all seasons.

Please be sure to read the wording of the article carefully: A “no”vote on article 2 means you do not want to remove the pergola from the park. Let’s leave the park as is and move on!

Ellie Roden

Wilmington