The Wrong Location for Project
As a neighbor of such surrounding towns as Strafford, Tunbridge, Royalton and Sharon, and after reviewing developer David R. Hall’s proposed plans for this area, I feel compelled to offer several comments. A retired political science professor from the University of Wisconsin, for years I taught courses related to community development. I have practical experience in creating planned communities around the world, and co-founded an intentional community in Wisconsin committed to sustainable living. I am well informed about the kind of project Hall and NewVista Foundation propose.
After reading and thinking about the material, I strongly oppose going forward with this project in Vermont, although I commend Hall for his vision and could see significant benefits were he to implement his ideas in appropriate locations. My reasoning: The towns and surrounding areas he has in mind have histories that go back centuries. They have maintained their unique character as small, cohesive communities. Inserting, over a short time, a population of thousands — even hundreds — of new residents coming from outside would radically and negatively change these towns.
The culture and economies here have evolved gradually, with homegrown small businesses and democratic governance based in indigenous local leadership. With a sizable population influx having little or no background/knowledge about how these towns “work,” the precious qualities making our communities so attractive would be dramatically jeopardized.
Sustainable living in the existing culture of these towns emphasizes simplicity, low consumption, sensitive stewardship of natural resources, and holistic values built up over generations that emphasize cooperation and interdependence. Hall’s project, even if guided by competent planners who have mastered the “sustainability” rhetoric, would completely change the prevailing traditions and values giving these towns their special character. I urge Hall to take his enthusiastic energy and sizable resources elsewhere instead of threatening the qualities that make these Vermont communities unique.
Belden Paulson
Vershire
Thanks to Those Who Serve
Words cannot express the depth of gratitude we owe our service men and women for the enormous sacrifices past and present that they have given all of us. Their devotion to duty and lives volunteered to keep us safe and secure in our free land of plenty can never be fully compensated.
Stuart L. Richards
Norwich
Not Opposed to Affordable Housing
Regarding the May 30 Forum letter from Connie Kroner, (“Lebanon Needs Affordable Housing”): Ms. Kroner, with all due respect, the housing issue that you refer to was, I believe, the proposal by the Lebanon Housing Authority to construct a four-story building on the corner of Campbell and Park streets. This proposal was never “tossed in the trash” by our City Council. This proposal never even made it to our City Council. It went as far as the Planning Board and met with such intense opposition at that meeting and with the Lebanon Heritage Commission meeting the very next evening, that the Lebanon Housing Authority withdrew its application.
I can assure you, Ms. Kroner, that not one soul spoke in opposition to affordable housing in Lebanon. Collectively, we in attendance, board members and the public agreed that we want affordable housing, but not at the cost of losing the historic core of our beautiful downtown. There are other, more favorable alternative locations in Lebanon.
Don Perron
Lebanon
Spraying Planned on Trail
To the Editor
The Friends of the Northern Rail Trail Merrimack County (FNRT-MC) board of directors have contracted with a licensed applicator for the spraying of herbicides (Glyphosate and other chemicals) on a 6-mile section of the trail from Chance Pond Road, Franklin, N.H., to Stirrup Pond Road, Boscawen, N.H., for vegetation control. While no date has been set, as it will depend on weather conditions, this will take place before June 15. The FNRT board has agreed to post signs on this section of the trail the day of application. The board is considering future herbicide application to the remaining 33 miles in Merrimack County. As a frequent user and lover of the Northern Rail Trail, I feel others would appreciate knowing about the spraying of herbicides on the trail. For more information or to share your concerns, contact Friends of the Northern Rail Trail at Info@FNRT.org, or through Facebook (facebook.com/FNRTNH).
Linda Howes
Springfield, N.H.
Is Homelessness a Crime?
Lebanon is on the verge of making homelessness a crime. Are we ready to accept that? Do we speak up or keep quiet?
Sean T. Clauson
Hanover
Obama for the Supreme Court
Does anyone else have an urge to see Barack Obama sitting on the Supreme Court next year?
Tom Brody
Lebanon