To the Editor:

When I first saw the headline in the Reporter saying there were new moves in the Melville Ave. house standoff I was hopeful a satisfactory solution was near. Sadly, my hopes were dashed as I read the rest of the article. The only "movement" by either side was towards a tragic ending for all concerned.

The plaintiffs have moved to have the courts enforce the 'remedy' (demolishing the house). For the sake of five feet and some bruised egos we destroy a home. Credit the home owners with major stupidity for proceeding with construction while the issue was still being challenged, but not malicious intent.

The home owners, for their part, have moved to file an amendment with the zoning commission similar to the one debated several months ago. It would allow exemptions to minimum requirements for lot width and lot size. The problem is, many folks think this would open a Pandora's Box bigger than the Grand Canyon allowing building speculators to descend upon Dorchester and other sections of the city.

How should the plaintiffs celebrate if they win? Have a bonfire, or sit around and cheer as a home is destroyed. A home built, not by a speculator looking to make a fast buck, but a lifelong resident. I don't think the home owners can win unless the plaintiffs withdraw the complaint and the court vacates the demolition order. Short of victory they could sell their present home plus the vacant lot created by the demolition to a speculator who would find a way to fit two houses on the lot. In either case it is an empty victory.

I am not the brightest bulb in the circuit, but I feel that with some reasonable action, some patience, and a large dose of forgiveness, by all and for all, this situation could still be resolved.

Step One: the Legal Fees

A few weeks ago an article appeared in The Globe. One of the plaintiffs stated that the cost of legal fees was a major stumbling block in reaching a setlement. Back at the community meeting held several months ago the cost was $90,000. In the article the gentleman said the cost had risen to around to closer to $150,000. Those rates would embarrass a loan shark.

Given the fact that the first MAJOR blunder in this case was when the zoning board issued a variance to allow the home to be built, wouldn't it be nice if the city stepped forward and assumed the financial costs.

No, no, you say. The City is not in the business of paying fees or settlements.

Yes, yes I say. They have done so quite often. The undercover officer who was beaten, the tragic deaths of the college student at Fenway Park, and the minister who died during a mistaken drug raid are just a few examples. True these were life and death situations, when compared to others. In fact, the cost is less than a year's salary for the Mayor. I am sure that others far brighter than myself have considered this solution. I know for a fact that John Krall from Precinct 10 presented the idea to a city official at the community meeting several months ago.

Step Two: Patience and Forgiveness

The other issue mentioned in The Globe was the desire for an apology. That sounds simple enough. However, anyone who has followed this story in the papers or at public meetings can easily see that the emotion and the pain goes deep for all concerned.

It is easy for me to say have patience or be forgiving. I have not endured the long controversy. I do know that even the darkest of situations seem a little clearer if you take a moment to step back and reflect. I have always believed that forgiveness is among the greatest gifts you can give or receive. No doubt this is because I require so much of it.

So my friends, what will it be: A bonfire where much more than a home is destroyed, or a block party where the neighborhood celebrates unity and healing.

PLEASE move forward with reason, patience, and forgiveness &emdash; enjoy the block party!

Raymond P. Donahoe
Chickatawbut St.