Too Big to Build in Hanover

Dartmouth College wants to build a massive facility on Chase Field. Its proposed design would be larger than Leverone Field House, taller than Thompson Arena and bigger than the Boss Tennis Center. Dartmouth wants to site its big box warehouse fronting the Tyler Road neighborhood. This will create a 70-foot-high wall that is wider than two football fields and substantially blocks the magnificent views of Velvet Rocks and the southern exposures to the neighborhood. While Dartmouth’s proposed Great Wall might delight Mr. Trump, it would forever destroy the Tyler Road neighborhood.

Due to the degradation and permanent loss of the neighborhood character, homeowners will also suffer financial damages. Currently, the average assessed value of a Tyler Road home is $689,000, versus only $422,000 for the mostly Dartmouth-owned buildings in front of Thompson Arena. The significant difference in respective property values might be attributed to what Dartmouth officials casually describe as the “natural progression” of their athletic facilities development.

How severe might the financial impact be? Consider that for every 10 percent decline in property values, the average Tyler Road homeowner would suffer valuation losses of approximately $70,000. The losses could be even greater over time. For most families, this represents a significant financial loss.

Fortunately, the Planning Board’s main purpose is to act as guardian of the community. The town’s master plan charges the Planning Board with the responsibility “to respect, protect and strengthen the distinctive (residential neighborhood) qualities and to preserve a healthy balance between the community and the campus so that neither dominates nor has an adverse impact on the other.” The Planning Board has the authority and more than enough reasons to deny Dartmouth’s application.

Concerned Hanover citizens should let the Planning Board know that Hanover needs them to protect our neighborhoods and our investment in our town. The Planning Board’s next public meeting is Tuesday at 7:30 pm. in the town hall.

John Colligan

Hanover

Co-op Workers Contribute

Did you know that just this past week six Co-op volunteers helped feed 90 people dinner at the Listen Center in White River Junction? They do this every month. Co-op employees logged over 700 hours of community service last year.

Did you know that the Co-op diverts over 3,500 pounds of food to the Willing Hands organization each week? Much of this goes to food pantries across the community. Many grocery chains throw such food into the dumpster.

Did you know that the Co-op cosponsors an electronic recycling drive every year with WinCycle of Vermont? Last year, this kept 15,000 pounds of potentially toxic waste out of area landfills.

Did you know the Co-op provides a dependable year-round outlet for dozens of local farms, as well as hundreds of products by local businesses from greeting cards to chocolates to handmade bread.

Did you know the Co-op provides access to fair- trade products from around the world grown in an environmentally sensitive manner, many by “sister” Co-ops?

Did you know the Co-op has the best wage and benefit package of any grocery store in the Upper Valley? Maybe that’s why one-third of the employees have stayed for over 10 years.

These are just some of the things the Hanover Co-op does for its community, every day. And, oh yes, we sell organic kale!

James King

Grantham

The writer is a data entry coordinator for the Hanover Food Co-ops

The Knowns and Unknowns

Granted we know little about a possible Trump administration, but that’s a favorable contrast to what we do know about a Clinton administration. We know she would continue President Obama’s “transformation” of America, which has led to economic malaise, a ballooning national debt and a chaotic foreign policy, much of which she had a hand in, which has left our country more vulnerable to terrorist atrocities. Who wants four more years of proven incompetence?

Jeff Lehmann

Lyme Center

A Slice of Americana

Not sure how to spend Independence Day this year? Start it off with the “Great American All-You-Can-Eat Pie Buffet Brunch” on Monday, July 4, in downtown Lebanon at the Upper Valley Senior Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and help eradicate polio forever! Adults $7; children $5. Enjoy all you can eat on site or take two pieces away.

Slices of savory pies (shepherd’s, pizza, quiches, onion, etc.) and sweet pies (fruits, custard, chocolate, etc.) are available; pies with nuts are served from a separate table. Coffee and tea are included. The morning includes a quilt raffle and craft sale to benefit Spark Community Center.

This brunch is the perfect way to extend your holiday weekend. Proceeds will be matched 2-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation toward the global effort to eradicate polio. This brunch is a joint project of the Rotary Clubs of Lebanon and Lebanon-Riverside. Questions? Call Tim Guaraldi, 603-359-0866 or me, 603-448-2936.

Bruce Pacht

Lebanon