I was born and lived in New London through young adulthood, yet still perceive myself a New Londoner. David Collin’s column July 17 prompted this letter, “Objection filed with DEEP against downtown Coast Guard museum.” All his reporting on the Coast Guard museum has been spot on.

I know little about the infighting regarding this fiasco of a location. However, it has brought back bitter memories of the early 1970s. New London had its chance to be a Newport or Mystic with the dollars granted by Federal Model Cities Project. I refuse to mention any names regarding the corruption during that time. A friend and I had mustered $26,000 and had approved financing to purchase a Bank Street property selling for $43,000. New London repeatedly ignored our inquiries and never responded to our offers. Strangely, the property eventually sold for only $23,000! I rest my case.

Pure and simple, the Coast Guard museum belongs at Fort Trumbull. This pedestrian walkway is another fiasco. Some may remember the State Street, “Captain’s Walk” debacle, when it was paved over only to be restored again. In the end, it is always taxpayers who pay for the city’s follies.

This time, just do the right thing.

Bill Culotta

Old Lyme