As I said, I love the woods.
Sturbridge has done a wonderful job preserving the forest in which it resides. Some may feel that we have spent too much on land purchases with little return other than preservation, and recreation.
Well, that was the whole point, and putting that preserved land to use for the community is an offshoot of preservation, and if done correctly
We have done well. So many volunteers have preserved hundreds, and hundreds of acres in town, built and marked trails, and cared for them over the years.
The cost of our accumulating the now preserved land has been in the millions, and each time I pay my taxes I am reminded of the that financial sacrifice we agreed to make in order to insure that there will be forest, streams, marshes, and wildlife for our children's children. I am thankful for that so much land has been saved, and I will suck it up about the cost thus far, but, I'm done.
If there are groups that want to purchase large tracts of land here in town, then I am all for it, but no longer at my expense; there are other state run agencies, and private foundations that can be tapped to assist with the purchase.
Yep. We've bought enough. We have all we need, and now we need to concentrate finishing the work on the land we have already purchased.
So, where should we be headed if not in the direction of further land conservation? How about attracting investment in our unique geography? Business investments in our town that shares two interstate highways, several state roads, and a US highway that runs coast to coast is a no-brainer.
But how, and who would have the skill, knowledge, and passion to lead us in that direction?
Yes. Humongous.
Thirty minutes to our south, on I-84, in South Windsor, CT are the Promenade Shops. Dozens of high end stores set up in a town like setting that attracts thousands of shoppers from all over southern New England. That is the type of shopping venue that this part of Central Mass needs, and we are just the location for it.
Shopping is not the only way to attract people to our area. A music venue, or dance venue like Tanglewood, or Jacobs Pillow would be an excellent destination that would spawn a lot of other businesses as well.
Think about it. I've said this all before, and this morning I'm just replanting the seed of inspiration again.
It's spring, time for sowing, and if done right, the harvest will be phenomenal.
I totally agree. NO MORE LAND PURCHASES! When the Riverlands, OSV and Heins properties purchases were proposed at the annual town meetings I don't remember being informed that we would BORROWING the monies against future CPA collections. But that is the sad truth of the matter. Our land purchases, which were approved to the tune of $2,850,000.00 will actually amount to $3,926,800.00 by the time principle and interest are paid off many years down the road. After FY15 ATM the balance in the CPA account was $1,364,000.00 (with over $500,000.00 of that dedicated to community housing exclusively). Our current CPA debt load from borrowing is $3,500,000.00!!! Do we need another town well? It will cost us $25,000.00 just to see if there is a water source on the property. Do we need more playing fields? Aren't there fields being built behind the town barn? Do stone walls and old foundations make a property historic? In New England? Are you kidding me? Time to just say NO. Perhaps it is time to appoint more realistic members to the Open Space and Community Preservation Committees? Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteKeren,
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said, well put.
Wally, my first house was a row home in Philly. You could literally cut the "lawn" with a rechargeable clippers. So my one "point" three acres here is a relative wilderness by comparison. So to me, any land is open land. But my opinion of using our open space to attract shoppers remains the same. "It's destined to fail". Yes, Evergreen Court and Buckland Hills are great retail areas, and I think therein lies the problem . Everyone around us already have their own retail complex. People from these areas don't have to drive 30 miles to go shopping the the wife and kids. They've got their own. Sturbridge and the immediate surrounding town just don't have the population to support significant retail development. Just look at the recent developments in Hobbs Brook. iParty is gone. Pier 1 Imports is gone. Heck, most of the stores in that small center have had at least two tenants since they first opened. Sorry, but I think it will take decades before the population in our area builds to a critical mass that will support retail. I often think of what my friends back in Philly would think if I told them that I drive 25 miles to get a couple of really good hot dogs (Coney Island in Worcester). They'd all point me in the direction of a good "head doctor".... which by the way was a short walk down the avenue from where we lived.....
ReplyDeleteI agree that our population in Sturbridge would not support a shopping center, however a shopping venue for the area (west of Worcester, east of Springfield, north of Hartford) places us smack dab in the middle of an area that is not adequately served. Retail is only one attraction. Restaruants are another excellent venue, and with new things happening at the corner of Cedar and Maine I am sure it is the beginning of great things for the area.
ReplyDeleteI party and Pier 1 are specific to a particular part of the population, and did not do as well here due to the numbers of that population being low. However, a big name store liike Bass Pro Shop, would attract a lot of people from CT, and Central MA.
An entertainment venue is also something that would fit well.
I have been thinking about this land purchase after a conversation with another resident the other day. I am all about reducing our taxes believe me, whether its property tax or CPA which is a tax. Could buying this land be an investment it a longer term stablilization in our taxes? That land could be built into a development which means more services, infrastructure like sewer, water and roads.. Also the kids will be going to our schools which costs A LOT. Will the increase in homes which are taxed off set the increases that will be needed to support the people? I would assume there are studies that would be able to answer these questions. Does anyone on here have any answers?
ReplyDeleteI can't see our taxes going down in the near future. Even holding the line on the tax rate is just a pipe dream. Unless we do something in the town to increase revenue and not on the property owners. We have the location now we need a vision.
If this purchase will create a 2,000 acre wilderness, that means there are already 1,700 adjacent acres being preserved. Watching the CPA presentation before the finance committee it sounds as though much of this property isn't appropriate for development. Six ponds, several streams and swamp land. Is there an actual developer proposing to build 200 houses or is that a scare tactic to induce us to purchase?
ReplyDeleteI believe the "scare tactic" is to spend more town money on even more land. (Shudder)
ReplyDeleteAnd another thought...Someone asked if the sports fields can be designed and constructed using CPA funds. The answer was yes, but my question to that response is, what CPA funds? We're borrowing and borrowing and borrowing.
ReplyDeleteThe Town has the opportunity to acquire 295 acres of land in an area North of the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club (HRG) at Hamilton Road and bounded by Cedar Street, Brookfield line, Allen and New Boston Roads.
ReplyDeleteThe land had a purchase and sale with a developer for over 100 house lots when the developer pulled back. You can Google Plimpton Meadows and find the plan. With the recent investment in a new housing development on Cedar Street one can wonder if the times are right for the developer to return.
In anticipation, representatives of HRG have worked hard to enable the owner to place the land into Chapter land (61A) and encouraged him to participate in an active forestry program to place the land back in production. the town has benefited in tax revenues and additional fees from those practices. The design of the forestry program on file with the town has the opportunity, if the town were to acquire the land, to continue to harvest the land perpetually maintain revenues.
HRG has worked closely with the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) to secure a US Department of Agriculture grant for $344,000, first of its kind for MA. $400,000 in a MA land grant. Another $75,000 in private awards to TPL for the purchase and another $114,000 in other pledges given the project proceeds after Town Meeting. In other words the Town has the opportunity to secure the land for less than 38% of the appraised value, If the vote were taken today an estimated $668,000.
Preservation funds needed are in the Town's account. No borrowing. In addition State matching preservation funds have been received taking that account to over $1M.
Additional benefits are available to the town with the purchase. The current landowner has been gracious in allowing HRG to take advantage of the land to host a number of outdoor events bringing literally 1000's of visitors to Sturbridge yearly. The most significant is the Massachusetts Outdoor Exhibition now in it 19th year. This year's program is scheduled for September 20. Last year just under 6000 people came to Sturbridge, parking at OSV, and bused to Hamilton. Visitors from Springfield to Boston, the Cape to Vermont. These visitors were afforded the opportunity to mountain bike and hike the land. On June 6 and 7 a regional archery competition, Reinhardt, will be conducted, again taking advantage of the land, bringing from the last event more than 300 archers a day for this program, many staying over and taking advantage of the hospitality of Sturbridge.
HRG has worked hard to bring this project to this point. HRG has donated $10,000 for a matching grant program to support additional funds to defray even further the impact on the Town's funds. There are 3 ways to participate on line:
www.crowdrise.com/plimptoncommunityforest/fundraiser/sandrodidonato
or sending a pledge to:
The Trust for Public Land
10 Milk Street, Suite 810
Boston, MA 02108
Attention: Kevin Essington
Or to HRG PO BOX 954, Sturbridge, MA 01506 Attn Kathy Soucie, Treasuer.
Over $3000 has been raised in this manner over the last week.
While I appreciate and respect the earlier comments I believe with the understanding of the complexity and effort put forth by both Sturbridge residents and others given the background above consideration be given the continuing hard work of many. Town Meeting is June 1st, where every vote counts.
Clarence Snyder, recent past president of HRG.
The Town has the opportunity to acquire 295 acres of land in an area North of the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club (HRG) at 24 Hamilton Road and bounded by Cedar Street, Brookfield line, Allen and New Boston Roads.
ReplyDeleteThe land had a purchase and sale with a developer for over 100 house lots when the developer pulled back. You can Google Plimpton Meadows and find the plan. With the recent investment in a new housing development on Cedar Street one can wonder if the times are right for the developer to return.
In anticipation of that day, representatives of HRG have worked to enable the owner to place the land into Chapter land (61A) and encouraged him to participate in an active forestry program to place the land back in production...that done, the Town of Sturbridge has benefited in tax revenues and additional fees from those practices. The design of the forestry program on file with the town has the opportunity for the Town, if they were to acquire the land, to continue to harvest the land perpetually maintaining revenues.
HRG has worked closely with the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) to first secure secure a US Department of Agriculture grant for $344,000, first of its kind for MA. $400,000 in a MA land grant. Another $75,000 in private awards to TPL for the purchase and another $114,000 in other pledges given the project proceeds after Town Meeting. In other words the Town has the opportunity to secure the land for less than 38% of the appraised value or if we would go to Town Meeting today the Town's portion would be $668,000.
Preservation funds needed are in the Town's account. No borrowing. In addition State matching preservation funds have been received recently taking that account to over $1M.
Additional benefits are available to the town with the purchase. The current landowner has been gracious in allowing HRG to take advantage of the land to host a number of outdoor events bringing literally 1000's of visitors to Sturbridge yearly. The most significant is the Massachusetts Outdoor Exhibition now in it 19th year. This year's program is scheduled for September 20. Last year just under 6000 people came to Sturbridge, parking at OSV, and bused to Hamilton. Visitors from Springfield to Boston, the Cape to Vermont. These visitors were afforded the opportunity to mountain bike and hike the land. On June 6 and 7 a regional archery competition, Reinhardt, will be conducted, again taking advantage of the land, bringing from the last event more than 300 archers a day for this program, many staying over and taking advantage of the hospitality of Sturbridge.
HRG has worked hard to bring this project to this point. HRG has donated $10,000, for a matching grant program to support additional funds to defray even further the impact on the Town's funds. There are 3 ways to participate on line:
www.crowdrise.com/plimptoncommunityforest/fundraiser/sandrodidonato
or sending a pledge to:
The Trust for Public Land
10 Milk Street, Suite 810
Boston, MA 02108
Attention: Kevin Essington
Or to HRG PO BOX 954, Sturbridge, MA 01506 Attn Kathy Soucie, Treasuer.
Over $3000 has been raised in this manner over the last week.
While I appreciate and respect the earlier comments I believe with the understanding of the complexity and effort put forth by both Sturbridge residents and others given the background above, consideration be given to the continuing hard work of many. Town Meeting is June 1st, where every vote counts.
Clarence Snyder, recent past president of HRG.
It is cheaper and more efficient to re-purpose than to build properties. The economy in general is still in the crapper. On all levels. Want to bring more "business" in? Why build when places where i Party and Pier 1 are vacant? Or how about that massive gov't school and convention center where the AO was? How well did that work out? Got space? Yes. Just not enough good, basic, stuff around to attract. If the situation will support a business, it will come and it will stay. Don't want to travel 30 miles for a hot dog? Advertise to the proper people, show them that there is money to be made, they will come. Open one up near the ball fields! Homes place the biggest burden on public services with the least amount of return. Taxes never recover cost ow water, sewer, school additions, and other services. Give people a reason to come, spent money and leave, happy. Like Coney Island Hot dogs? Open a hot dog stand near the proposed fields! This can work to everyone's benefit! Get people to want to come out to places like HRG, camp, fish etc., spend the weekend, Made Sturbridge a destination location. Blend the whole picture together to make this a place to come to for a weekend or more. With this land acquisition increasing both town and private assets, bringing IN people, how can the town loose? The payback will exceed the expense, unless you look at only the short picture. Look at the long term. It's much nicer that way. Robert R. Szacik. HRG member, retired Army, life long resident.
ReplyDeleteThe Aquifer ALONE is enough reason for the town to acquire the land. Like your water bill now? What if water gets even more precious and expensive. A natural water source like the one on the Plimpton property is invaluable to a town and since the funds being used are preservation funds an can ONLY be used for preservation, why would the town NOT do it? This will result in NO TAXATION and will provide town water for the foreseeable future. It is a no brainer unless you are one of those that just likes to say no.
ReplyDeleteBorrowing. Believe me now, believe me later. Our yearly payments on our current debts already exceed the 3% surcharge collected by the town. If the state match reduces (55.38% last year) much more we will be in serious trouble.
ReplyDeleteI first moved into South Windsor, CT in 1974. I was there when Buckland Hills was proposed and first built. Today it continues to expand. I still own a house there and my wife (we are relative newlyweds) owns a home in Dudley. We are currently in the process of preparing both properties to be sold and we are seriously considering moving to Sturbridge. This is one reason why this matter is so important to me.
ReplyDeleteSturbridge is facing the same decision that South Windsor CT faced many years ago, Some want to maintain open spaces while others favor commercial opportunities. I hope that both sides will read this posting as I have experienced what happens when a large tract of land is transformed from open spaces to become a Buckland or Evergreen.
South Windsor changed from q quiet residential town to a busy suburb. As the malls were built, some new roads were built some roads were closed and others widened. I watched as the town I loved changed. It took decades but South Windsor no longer a quiet town. It is more like a city..
I understand that some may look at a forest and see trees that should be chopped down and the land covered with asphalt and buildings so the town’s coffers can be filled with tax dollars. However, having lived in a town that went through such a metamorphosis I ask you consider the following points. If a Buckland or Evergreen type mall were to be built in Sturbridge people will, no doubt, come in droves.
• The new businesses will pay taxes and provide employment opportunities but they also require increased services.
• Police, fire and EMS services will be needed. (Each additional position that is staffed 24/7 for 365 days a year requires 5 individuals.] Police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances are expensive to purchase and maintain. Higher taxes will be needed.
• Local businesses may or may not suffer and some will be forced to close.
• Traffic will increase bringing air and noise pollution as well as water pollution due to the runoff from the parking lots.
• Some roads will become major thoroughfares and the homes that now are on a peaceful country road will end up with a driveway that will be difficult to exit due to that traffic.
• Children who can now play in a safe front yard will no longer be able to due to the traffic.
• The town roads will take a pounding from the increased traffic and will require significantly more maintenance. If you think the traffic around I84 is bad now, (to steal a phrase from BTO) you ain’t seen nothing yet.
• The increased traffic will bring more traffic accidents. (I have been there at some of those accidents in South Windsor as a member of the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.)
• All malls have crimes committed there. Preventing that from spilling over to the town may be impossible.
While most of the negatives associated with any mall are of an immediate nature there is one more thing you need to remember. Eventually, every mall will have outlived its useful life. A deserted mall is an ugly thing. An ugly thing that sucks tax dollars from schools and other worthwhile civic activities as the mall decays.
Woodlands, on the other hand, produce oxygen and provide wild creatures a place to live. When such woodlands are owned by the town they are available to everyone in the town. A walk in the woods is good for the soul. A walk in a mall will wear out your shoe’s sole.
It all comes down to this – do you want your legacy to be woodlands that you and future generations can enjoy or do you want to destroy the woodlands and see yet another mall built, A mall that will destroy the character of Sturbridge, add additional traffic, and increase noise and water pollution to say nothing of the increase in criminal activity that invariably accompanies a large mall like Buckland or Evergreen. Plus malls eventually go out of style and fall into disrepair.
I hope that Sturbridge makes the right decision and the trees keep on producing oxygen for us to breathe.
Please use your name when leaving a comment, otherwise I am unable to publish it. I have had to delete two good comments today for this reason. As I always say, if you feel that strongly about what you have taken the time to write about, then own it, and sign it. Comments written by those that sign with a clever nick name are never taken seriously.
ReplyDelete