"It simply does not matter what Bevirt or anyone else thinks about the project."

This is not only incorrect, it's the sort of argument that people should be cautious making. Mr Hargreaves might not be bothered by this particular project, but it's entirely possible that a different, equally legal, project could come around that is less acceptable to him.

We have a right to speak out about what is happening in our communities, and we have a right to petition the government with our grievances. The opinions of the citizenry must matter. To argue otherwise is to argue for tyranny.

I expect that Mr. Hargreaves agrees with this, as he took the time and effort to express his own opinion. He wouldn't have done that if he thought it didn't matter.