The proposed cruise terminal relocation at the edge of Laurens Street is too close to our homes.

The plan relocates the terminal to the building on the property that is the closest to a residential area. Its negative impacts on local residents, including health issues, would be most magnified.

The reasonable thing is to put the terminal in the middle of the Union Pier property where toxic diesel effects and noise will be less severe for people who live next to it.

The SPA already has a substantial building (known as Bldg. 318) which stands in the middle of the Union Pier property. It could become a new passenger terminal.

Furthermore, if the proposed terminal were pushed toward the center of the property, then the park-like area proposed for the south end could be duplicated on the north end. This would provide a buffer for neighborhoods on the north end, which are adjacent to the proposed site. These neighborhoods will need the green space once development on the Ansonborough Field is completed.

The proposed terminal is a change of Union Pier’s intended use. It would bring more traffic congestion, air pollution, noise and negative impact to adjacent neighborhoods than would leaving it as a roll-on/roll-off cargo terminal.

The state could simultaneously better protect the health of its local residents and develop this new tourist business if the SPA is willing to make some design changes.