By Ben Falk
"If it's not broken don't fix it" is a cliche but one with crucial wisdom in it for this Valley. People came and still come to this Valley because it's NOT like everywhere else. Yet recent "planning" processes move this Valley ever closer to the expensive, over-managed, suburban environments which people leave to take refuge here. Those unaffordable, generic places which, after they've built all the parks, public buildings and sidewalks, lighting, public amenities galore, increased police services (they all go together), become places only the wealthy can afford.
This is a place that until recently developed its character and livability through organic rural development within the limits placed by topography. There's also been valid strategic planning to limit high-elevation development and keep our villages clustered. But in the past few years best intentions have gotten completely out of control. Every single person I talk to in The Valley seems to echo the same questions: "Why are we spending so much money on things that aren't necessary or broken?"
We spent $1.6 million (over 400 bucks a square foot) for a new town office when we had other far more affordable options. We bought an unbuildable lot which was on the tax rolls and now are going to spend even more to make a park there. We're planning signage and curbing and new turf areas all with increased annual maintenance costs extending indefinitely. Taxes have gotten notorious forcing young people to leave without options to return.
Then we discuss raising taxes to pay for affordable housing.
Please explain the need for these expenditures. What justifications do you have to buy an unbuildable lot on Bridge Street? What justification is there to spend yet more money on a "pocket park" there? Why do you think a new metal roof will deter jumpers and not actually cause the first injury ever in a hundred years when a kid's wet bathing suit drips onto the metal and they go careening onto the rocks? What ways have you looked at to furnish the town office for less than 10,000? How do you justify lighting a parking lot which is for a day-use building?
I, and many others, look forward to a public explanation for these public expenditures.
Ben Falk is a resident of Moretown.
