To the editor:

I have read the Essex County notice to weekend homeowners. It disturbed me.

Our area is blessed with plenty of open space to shelter in. Our summer residents provide valuable support and income to our community. Any downstaters who wish to come back are welcomed. The congestion in the city is killing it; any people who can leave should, and should then self-quarantine in the summer homes they love, pay taxes on and may retire to.

This is what built Saranac Lake during the TB epidemic. Many of these weekenders may actually stay here instead of returning and will provide necessary skilled labor to our area.

I agree that vacationers should not be encouraged, but our weekend and summer neighbors should be welcomed at the 6-foot distance. As is recommended anyone who leaves the city, they should self-isolate for two weeks, enjoy our great outdoors and get the rest we all need during this crisis. If anything, we should offer a delivery service so they do not need to come out more then required.

We live in paradise, but it is a paradise to be shared.

Sue Martin

Wilmington