Oh woe is me, I can’t do as I please, compains Patrick Conley in the Sept. 23 news article, “A storm in the port.” The article was full of his complaints about the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and all of his permit problems with his property, which in reality is just another large polluted lot. He seems to operate with the idea that it is better to ask forgiveness after the fact then to ask permission before starting.

His motto of “Carpe portus — Seize the harbor” fails to take into consideration the many working businesses that have been there long before he made his money speculating in real-estate tax sales. Why those existing businesses should move or close up for him to develop his property into another luxury hotel and condos is no more than another ego trip for him, just like his conference room table that had to be six inches longer than Donald Trump’s. Luckily for everybody concerned, the DEM is still in control over this fiasco and hopefully the little guy will come out on top for a change. Just sign me amused.

DAVE NOTARIANNI

Cranston