For those who do not subscribe to the Exeter New-Letter and have not heard through other channels, the Town is planning to pursue a $6.9 million set of projects. And, yes, the substation and baggage building at the train depot are included. No decision made on whether to have a separate warrant article or to include sidewalk upgrade in the budget. Jennifer Perry has decided to replace with concrete as, in her words, it lasts longer. It costs a great deal more, too. Have to wonder if the low wear and tear of sidewalks warrants the increased cost. With a proper base, asphalt ought to serve us well for the long run.
Nothing has changed to support the construction of a fire substation on Continental Drive. At an estimated $2.5 million one would expect a very sound argument, supported with well researched and documented facts. We need an unbiased, third party to examine the need. Need is the operative word.
Enough has been written here about the baggage building upgrade. It is not needed, is overkill and other less expensive options solve the problem of waiting for the train in inclement weather. No documented, factual case has been made for it increasing train ridership. It's a nice to have, not needed project that should be low on the priority list. We are still faced with some very large expenditures for the great dam removal and upgrade of our waste water treatment system.
Mr. Publius, you're talking to the wrong crowd. Your readers like paying taxes. They don't realize that tax-funded projects are just freebies for those who benefit at the expense of those who are exploited. (For example, sidewalk renovations benefit store-owners, downtown strollers, and the crony construction companies who get the job; the exploited are those who live/work well outside downtown). Then, they ignorantly malign those who live in trailers or have earned GEDs as being somehow subclass humans (just as the police view the taxpayers, incidentally). The bigger the tax bill, the better for this ilk, and if you disagree, you're an unpatriotic moron.
ReplyDeleteIf someone can explain the why we need another fire station I would be appreciative. If the rationale includes: "response time" I don't but it.
ReplyDeleteLet's remember in recent history we have had several downtown Exeter buildings burn to the ground only one block from the downtown fire station. Sprinklers, maintenance and prevention are the best solution.