Support Highland Farm funding request
Dear Independent,
We - in York - are very privileged to have such a beautiful place in which to live - and now, a most wonderful proposal has been offered to us!
In this day of sprawl, which spreads across the whole country with the possibility of more building and consumer growth to further blot our landscapes, through the York Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land, we have been offered 150 acres of outstanding land.
That this opportunity has been granted us is a possibility for enriching the town of York. It includes unbroken views of the tidal York River, acres of forests to the summit of Mount Agamenticus, and clear archeological signs of history going back to colonial times.
My hope is that all of our people will recognize this great gift and realize what an outstanding chance this is to protect our area - to promote wildlife and to preserve our ecological values.
Sincerely,
Carol Gronquist
York
Don't just sit on your hands
Dear Independent,
Voter apathy is common in many communities... we all have very busy lives, and we often assume that we can't do much of anything to impact decisions that affect the operation of our town. If you're not opposed to anything being proposed on the ballot, it's easy to let life's other priorities get in the way. You might assume that your one vote won't make a difference anyway... but it will, especially if you are in favor of warrant items that are controversial at all.
People who are opposed to one or more of the warrant items are typically very motivated to get out and vote. When those who are basically "in favor" of most items on the ballot don't stand up and exercise their vote, then the votes of those who do vote because they are "against" one or more items tend to carry more weight then they would if everyone voted.
This year's ballot includes several important warrant items that are likely to impact you in some way... such as funding a new town hall, a music/arts facility at the high school and critical drainage improvements at various locations around town.
Warrant Article 67 asks your approval of a bond issue to fund the construction of our new town hall. This is the final important step in a process that began several years ago when voters approved the purchase of 6.5 acres of prime property in the center of the village with the express intent that it be used for town administrative offices. Voters concurrently approved funds for architectural planning and design of a new town hall on that property. Basic planning (programming) and architectural design have been completed and are ready for the detail design phase.
The proposed bond issue would raise the annual property tax on a $350,000 home by about $40 starting in the year 2010, subsequently decreasing each year of the 20-year term. That's about the cost of one tank of gas... for a whole year! The current town hall is totally inadequate to meet today's needs. York citizens and town administrators deserve a facility that is functional, efficient and something we all can be proud of.
If it is inconvenient for you to make the time to vote in person or if you would like time to study the ballot at home, please request an absentee ballot by calling the town clerk at 363-1003 or stop by at the Town Hall to pick one up. At least 50 percent of York voters use absentee ballots.
Please don't "sit on your hands"... but instead, vote in favor of our new town hall in the village green and the other much needed capital items proposed this year.
Kurt Hansbury
York
The way life should really be
Dear Independent,
I want to take a minute to acknowledge the town of York. Due to the MTA's deeply flawed conceptual design, I have a greater appreciation for the feeling of community here more than ever. I am truly amazed at the solidarity that this town has shown.
I have been a resident of York for 15 years and I have never been prouder or more grateful to be part of the this town. From the first neighborhood meeting of approximately 20 people, support has grown to the SRO crowd at the April 3 open house.
Of course the fact that families' homes and/or land will be taken as part of this project had something to do with it. Eminent domain is completely unacceptable, our neighbors and friends would no longer be a part of this community. No one should lose their property when other options are available. Also, what about the environment, wildlife and wetlands that will be displaced or destroyed in the MTA's effort to show the tourists the "way life should be"?
In the course of two weeks, residents proved that the maps the MTA hung in the York library were lacking in accurate details and refused to be segregated by site numbers.
In less than six weeks' time, this community has bonded together to fight for what is right. Some have come armed with surveyors, accurate safety reports and reliable wetland maps. Some have supplied a space to meet, organize and plan. Some have provided front-page space to champion the cause. Our selectmen and state representatives have been unbelievable assets. I want to thank all of these people, but I also want to thank everyone who has signed a petition, wrote a letter or spent an evening away from their home or family to be a part of something bigger.
So if you haven't yet, sign a petition, write an e-mail, go to a rally. Be a part of the community! This really is the "way life should be."
Kim Sanborn
York
Time for a new Town Hall
Dear Independent,
My mother was born in 1898 and graduated from York High School - you figure out when that was.
At the present York Town Hall, there was a stage on the second floor where plays, dances and graduations were held.
Even back then the second floor was deemed unsafe and these functions were stopped.
The graduations were moved to the theater section of the Lancaster Building in York Harbor and I assume the plays also.
Then the tax collector's office moved onto the second floor of the Town Hall.
Some years later, the second floor was deemed unsafe - again - down on the first floor moved the tax collector.
My God what is there for weight on that second floor now? It sure has a lot more weight now and it is a tired old building.
I live near the Town Hall. I expect some time to hear a loud rumble and to find out that the building has just collapsed. Stop and think about that for a few minutes. Especially if this were a workday and all those town employees were at work and citizens of York were in there taking care of town business. Think of the deaths, disabilities and injuries. Do you want that scenario hanging over your head? Do not say it will not happen unless you know how the Town Hall was constructed and remodeled many times. It could cave in or the outside walls could fall outward.
I was in the Fire Department here in York for several years. When I go into the York Town Hall, all I see is a firetrap.
Old, tired buildings do collapse. Old, tired buildings can burn very quickly and by the looks of each room in our Town Hall, there is plenty of fuel to feed the fire. How many town records and work in progress would be lost?
Instead of so much talk about cost, let's think about the working conditions and life safety for a change. T'ain't going to get any cheaper.
Where is the privacy in the present Town Hall? Every Tom, Dick and Harry knows your business.
This isn't 1918. It is 2008.
Anna J. Woodward
York
Why put the cart before the horse?
Dear Independent,
Can't we try to give the Police and Fire Departments a more accessible location FIRST? A place where they can better serve the expanding town?
York has grown so quickly that they need to be nearer the CURRENT CENTER of town, where they can move quickly north, south, east, west on Routes 1, 1-A, 91, etc. Mention has been made of a location on Route 1 - wonderfully accessible. Bravo!
If this could be done promptly while property values are low, it would leave the present Fire Department location available for the new Town Hall, right in the middle of town!
The current building (Fire Dept.) could be removed and a new Town Hall of the same design as that one approved and proposed for behind the Ice House could be switched to the Fire Department location. The new Town Hall would take its proper place in the center of town - moved forward to enhance the streetscape and would allow parking at the rear. This would be far less expensive as the utilities are all in place, no roads to build, no trees to cut down and a location far more accessible, especially in winter, and no cellar meeting room as the library is close by.
So, let's first get the Fire and Police Departments where they should be on Route 1 and the Town Hall where it should be, in the real center of town.
Let's put the horse before the cart so we can move forward.
Cynthia H. Raymond
York
Support "Green" buildings ordinance
Dear Independent,
I remember it like it was yesterday.
It was the summer of 2001, and I was driving around the city and listening to the radio. The newscasters on NPR were making a big deal out of the latest economic news and no one was sure what to make of it: the price of a barrel of oil had just passed $30.
"What did this mean for the global economy?" the commentator asked. Would OPEC need to produce more oil? Would it spark a global recession? Would President Bush have to release stockpiles from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?
Ah the good old days.
Our energy concerns were so quaint back then - weren't they? That's back when gas cost $1.27 a gallon and for 20 bucks I could fill my tank and still had enough money left over for a cup of coffee.
Good old days, indeed. Just the other day on my way home from work, I stopped at a N.H gas station and couldn't help thinking wistfully back to that summer of 2001. The same gallon of gas was now costing me $3.49 a gallon - even in tax-free N.H. - and $50 later my tank still wasn't quite full.
And there certainly wasn't any money left over for coffee.
The same shock and pain facing drivers everywhere is also affecting anyone who had to fill up their home heating oil this past winter. I know I'm not the only one giving thanks for the nicer weather - and not having to worry about heating my home so much.
Bottom Line: Energy used to be cheap and plentiful. Now it is not.
That's why it's so important to support Article 15 "Green Buildings" on the upcoming May ballot. While it won't do anything for what we're paying at the pump, it will set an aggressive energy efficient building standard in York - for all new municipally constructed projects over 5,000 square feet.
It's a start.
Eric Hopkins
York Energy Efficiency Committee
Music wing is worthwhile investment
Dear Independent,
I am writing in support of funding for the York High School music wing. In my opinion, the students who participate in this program will enrich our community for years to come. The individuals who spoke at the recent Budget Committee meeting were confident, thoughtful and well-spoken. Not only that, but they remained calm and attentive to each other throughout the meeting.
Music is a wonderful language, which connects, inspires and soothes. In addition, creating music together builds respectful and kind relationships. I sympathize with the need to consider the financial burden and yet believe the investment will offer immeasurable returns both locally and globally.
Sincerely,
Beth Boynton, RN, MS
York
Highland Farm: It's now or never
Dear Independent,
Your "yes" vote on Article 68 on the May warrant is critically important to help protect in perpetuity 150 acres at Highland Farm. Once we have purchased the property, it will be open to the public for enjoying the incredible scenic views, walking, cross-country skiing, bird-watching and other low impact activities. You'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that future generations will be able to derive the same pleasures without the threat of this property being developed.
Some choices cannot wait and this is one of them. If we don't act now, the current owner of Highland Farm will develop his cluster subdivision of 12 houses, for which he has permits in hand, and will continue his process for approvals on a second subdivision of 25 house lots on the back acreage, three of which would drain into Boulter Pond, with the remaining lots draining toward the York River.
The time is now to vote YES on Article 68. Please join us in protecting this land forever.
Karen Arsenault
President, York Land Trust
Stop the MTA's toll plan
Dear Independent,
The Maine Turnpike toll plaza in York. Now let me get this straight. Every vehicle moving northbound on the Maine Turnpike past mile marker 7.3 (the current location of the York toll plaza) will eventually leave the Turnpike by passing through a toll plaza north of mile marker 7.3. And every vehicle moving southbound on the Maine Turnpike past mile marker 7.3 entered the Turnpike through a toll plaza north of mile marker 7.3. Thus, a toll is, or can be, collected at every toll plaza north of mile marker 7.3.
So my question is: Why is there a toll plaza in York?
Hey MTA, I have a better suggestion: Don't move it...Remove it.
Chuck Andrews
York
Another site for Town Hall
Dear Independent,
A new municipal complex was the original reason for the town to vote to purchase a piece of land in the town of York. It has now been found that the land has feasibility difficulties with traffic congestion, great expense to bring in sewer line and water, road construction and blasting of ledge.
I must agree that the town should not be "property" driven, but more importantly "purpose" driven.
I also read that no other property was available in the center of York. This statement is incorrect as I offered to sell my 3.25-acre property in the center of York Village three years ago, which has never been mentioned.
I had shown this property to several town officials who did not follow through in responding to my offer. Since then I have sold the house in the front of the property and I still own the back 2.5 acres. However, the owner of the house is now looking to sell and I am now willing to sell my back land. So the total parcel of 3.25 acres would be available if the town is at all interested in a very viable piece of property for a new municipal complex. The property, located on York Street, has sewer, water, easy road access and no ledge on the property, so the infrastructure is basically in place.
Marie Forrest
Rak's Cottage
York Village
MBC shares more information on Town Hall proposal
Dear Independent,
A frequent concern expressed about the proposed new Town Hall is "how much is it going to cost me?" The cost for a homeowner with a $350,000 assessment would be about $40 a year. That's about the cost of one tank of gas.
With new buildings being added to York's tax base every year, this cost would decline slightly each year for the life of the 20-year bond. Any increase for other properties would be proportionate.
With all of the talk of millions to be spent, how can the Town Hall be built for this cost to the taxpayer? It is because York has a diverse tax base and over half of our property tax revenue comes from non-residents. York has a long history of prudent management of its fund balance and has very low debt. As a result, we have the highest credit rating and are eligible for the lowest interest rates.
With voter approval, York will transfer $1 million from its fund balance and bond the remaining $5.475 million with interest in the 4 percent range, substantially lower than a year ago.
After issuance of this bond, in fact even with it increased to include the school music wing, if approved, and all other capital items on this year's budget, York's total debt will still be lower than it was in the year 2000 ($25 million then, $15 million today). And, just two years later, bond payments on the town's two elementary schools go away.
Another common concern is "doing this project during the current slump in our economy." In fact, savings are expected to come from today's highly competitive building industry. As an example, a recent Pease Tradeport project was estimated by the PDA at $5 million and was subsequently contracted for $3.9 million. With current economic conditions, the combination of low interest rates and building costs are likely more favorable than we will see again in the future.
What will we get for our money? ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and code compliant building design, engineering, and construction; Silver LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for long-term high energy efficiency and sustainability; landscaping, sidewalks, driveways and additional village parking; full traffic analysis and resulting design, leading to overall improvements in downtown traffic situation; design and construction of storm drainage for the site as well as offsite improvements in the village which will correct many long-term drainage and flooding issues; furniture and equipment (including a large fireproof vault for town records).
We hope you will consider this information as you make your decision on the May 17 warrant.
Municipal Building Committee
York
Find a way to keep York PD in the Beach
Dear Independent,
As a lifelong resident of York, the last time I checked the rules and regulations from when York Beach and York Harbor consolidated with York proper, the rules indicated that there was always to be a police station maintained in York Beach. If this is correct, then why haven't the voters of the town of York been informed and made duly aware of this ruling? And if this is correct, then why is the town seeking to purchase land for a new police station if they know they must keep a presence in York Beach?
The other concern that I have is what will happen to the old building that houses the York Beach police department as well as the senior citizen center? If sold, will the revenue be used to subsidize the new police complex?
It makes more sense to the taxpayers of the town, if this rule is currently correct, that our police in York Beach remain status quo but gain more room by eliminating the senior center and our seniors moved to a new home within the town hall municipal complex.
Craig Freeman
York
Thanks for sharing the news
Dear Independent,
I wanted to thank you very much for the wonderful article printed in the recent edition of the paper. I have been working with Gina Brodsky at York High School to put together a program featuring a friend of mine, Danny Duval. Our intent is to have an organized program working with 7th through 12th grades, with the special evening for community members. Danny is unbelievable, and I feel that the folks who read your words understand that fact!
Thank you for doing such a nice job putting together all of the information into such a wonderful presentation.
Sincerely,
Cyndy Dow, M.Ed.
York Middle School
Order your dragonflies from St. Aspinquid Lodge
Dear Independent,
As has been the case over the last several years, St. Aspinquid Lodge of Masons of York Village will be selling dragonfly larvae for use in controlling the growth in the mosquito population.
These larvae eat several times their weight in mosquito eggs per day, and when applied in areas where water pools on a year-round basis, can be a very effective tool for minimizing the threat of the spread of mosquito-bourn illnesses.
As in the past, St. Aspinquid Lodge of Masons will offer assistance to any group that would organize an effort to focus on mosquito control for any area where families might gather together for community outdoor activities. In the past, we have partnered with youth groups to develop an action plan to accomplish these desired goals. In addition to our outreach to the youth of our community, the profits from the sale of these mosquito larvae have enabled St. Aspinquid Lodge of Masons to support many worthwhile community outreach projects.
For information contact Bob Hoyt at 363-4118. For an order form e-mail rhoyt@maine.rr.com.
St. Aspinquid Lodge
York
Volunteers praised for cleaning local beaches
Dear Independent,
During Earth Week in York and Cape Neddick, over 100 volunteers picked up 565 pounds of debris from all of our public beaches.
Every piece of garbage we keep out of our ocean may save the life of a fish, bird or marine mammal and may also indirectly improve our own health as clean water is one of our most vital needs. We should now have some of the cleanest beaches in Maine, so hopefully we can keep them that way!
I would like to thank Jen Kennedy, Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation and Do Something, Inc./Plum Grant for sponsoring the event by providing supplies and guidance.
We couldn't have accomplished such a widespread cleaning of all our public beaches to include York Harbor and Cape Neddick without York Girl Scouts - Geraldine Young's Troop 408, Lynn Osgood's Troops 395 and 1100 - and the 4H Coastal Clovers.
The Seacoast Democrats also came out on Earth Week and did a superb job cleaning Short Sands Beach.
I also want to thank my "beach lovers group" for always helping, especially Janalee Moquin and Anita Haskell.
The Lions Club also needs to be commended for their support during the winter months for the portable bathroom at Long Sands and adopting a section of Long Beach Avenue, which helps to improve garbage from blowing onto our beaches.
Last, I want to thank the newspapers for helping to inform the community and Mike Sullivan and the York Parks and Recreation staff, for always picking up the debris after our events.
Our next community cleanup event will be during Clean Beaches Week in the end of June. I hope to see you at the beach!
Allie Hayford
Cape Neddick
Thanks from American Cancer Society
Dear Independent,
Each year, volunteers in York County work to make the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days a great success. On behalf of the American Cancer Society, I would like to thank the many local individuals, businesses and organizations for their eagerness to help. In particular, thanks go to the many volunteers who wrapped, delivered and sold flowers in the community.
More than $10,000 was raised in York County to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families right here in our community. Once again, Hannaford stores generously supported the campaign by selling bouquets of daffodils and donating all of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.
Daffodil Days, like many of the Society's fund raising campaigns, is volunteer-driven. During Daffodil Days volunteers prepared, delivered, and purchased bouquets. Every volunteer was dedicated to helping support the American Cancer Society's vital research, education, advocacy, and patient programs and services. Thanks again to everyone! I hope to see you during Daffodil Days 2009!
Sincerely,
Dawn Emery
Community Executive
American Cancer Society
