Letter to the Editor: The Garage by the River

To the Editor:

There have been many strong arguments and opinions presented regarding the upcoming Canton Department of Public Works Facility replacement referendum. Regardless of which side of the issue people choose to support, my hope is that everyone who votes has done their homework, read the proposals, and has considered the many thoughtful letters both for and against the proposal. This is an issue that has been ongoing for numerous years and multiple referendums, and it would be nice to arrive with a solution that is reinforced by voters who are well informed. The information about this proposal is plentiful, and with good voter turnout, should give us an accurate idea about how the public truly feels. That said I’d like to offer a few observations. … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Vote No on a Sketchy Project

To the Editor:

What are we being asked to vote for on Election Day? To approve spending $3.8 million to construct a facility with only a conceptual layout – not final blueprints.  The plan calls for a building that just meets current needs, on a site with no room for expansion. The way the question is worded, if $3.8 million is not enough, Selectmen can make any alterations to keep the project within that budget. This would necessitate reducing the size of a building that is already barely adequate to accommodate present needs. … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Riverfront Recapture or Riverfront Disaster?

To the Editor:

Remember all the excitement, fireworks, and jubilation in 1999, as Hartford’s Riverfront Recapture celebrated opening night on the city’s new bridge not over – but to – the Connecticut River?  Can you remember that in 1999, we too were excitedly looking at our own Riverfront Recapture initiative towards removing our crumbling garage off the Farmington River at a fraction of today’s cost? Today Hartford’s Riverfront Recapture generates millions in business and tax revenue as their Riverfront Recapture also benefits the city in so many additional ways that can’t be measured simply by money.  … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: The Time is Now

To the Editor:

The time is now, vote YES to rebuild the town garage on the existing site.

A rebuilt garage at the existing site will provide a safe place for our DPW workers.

A rebuilt garage at the existing site is the most cost effective option ever presented to voters. … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Let’s Come Together and Vote Yes

To the Editor:

Thank you “Experts” – now let me explain why voters will be voting GARAGE – YES! tomorrow

Our town has many volunteers offering their insights, preferences and opinions to our elected officials.  I have done it and so have many others.  It is not reasonable to somehow translate all this advice to our elected officials into “directives” to them that must be followed.  … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Rebuilding on River is Short Sighted

To the Editor:

In 2003 we moved back to Canton from Avon and have been impressed and proud of the way Collinsville has flourished over the past 13 years.

From a charming but sleepy little center, Collinsville has steadily acquired vitality and a reputation for superb recreational opportunities, as the town has strategically supported a variety of important improvements and developments.  … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Town Garage Reality Check – Cost Impact on Average Taxpayer

To the Editor:

Prior to voting on the town garage referendum on Tuesday, I thought it would be helpful to look at what this project is going to cost me. Given all the concern over costs expressed in the Canton Compass and elsewhere there is no doubt that everyone has an interest in cost but we never see it expressed in terms of how does it impact our household budgets. Fortunately, all the information we need is contained in the document that was presented by town officials at the October 26, 2016 Informational Town Meeting in the section entitled Impact on Average Taxpayer. … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Future Focus

To the Editor:

Economic development in Canton depends on the continued protection and enhancement of our natural resources and historical heritage.  We have seen this first hand with the development of the Rails to Trails system through town and the continuing streetscape improvements in Collinsville.  With the recent approval of the Tax Increment Finance plan for the Collins Ax Factory, we have also taken a major step forward in protecting and enhancing our most important connection to Canton’s past — an effort which will pay enormous economic dividends in the future. … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor: Nobody Wants to Make a Trip to a Beautiful Place to See a Garage

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Letter to the Editor: Address the Elephant, Please

To the editor:

Address the Elephant, Please

Why haven’t the Selectmen let the experts on the Building Committee review the proposed plan?

The BOS has had plenty of time to make the request.  … Continue Reading