Plans for the deforestation of Parcel 68V-C (above). The White Cedar Swamp is adjacent to this property to the right.
Whose land is parcel 68V-C off Stony Hill Road? It’s yours, the taxpayers’ land, that is in danger of being sold for housing development. It is used extensively by Wilbraham residents for outdoor recreation and is located between two protected reservations: the White Cedar Swamp Conservation Area and the McDonald Nature Preserve.
Because this 20 acres of beautiful hardwood forest is owned by the Town of Wilbraham— and has been enjoyed by townspeople for nearly four decades—it has been assumed by many that 68V-C is protected from development. But it isn’t.
On April 11, the Board of Selectmen put an article on the Annual Town Meeting warrant that may wreck the woods forever. A “yes” vote on May 13 would be in favor of the town of Wilbraham authorizing this “surplus” property for sale.
It has been dismissed as “underutilized” land even though it is often used by hikers, runners, dog-walkers, cross country skiers, horseback riders, and snowshoers. You will hear it called “excess” land, despite Money Magazine listing Wilbraham in its 2007 list of “Top 100 Best Places to Live” partially because of our “large areas of preserved open spaces.”
You will be told that selling this land will bring in much-needed tax revenue. In fact, according to a review by the American Farmland Trust of many “Cost of Community Services” studies, including studies in 10 Massachusetts towns, the median cost to provide public services for residential developments is $1.19 for every dollar of revenue they raise— vs. just 37 cents to maintain open space.
This is not a project that is in the best interest of the residents of Wilbraham. It will have a significant negative impact on the rural character of the town and heavily increase traffic on Stony Hill Road.
A developer has been actively pursuing 68V-C. Will he get it? It starts with a two-thirds yes vote by the town’s registered voters at the Annual Town Meeting May 13 (7 p.m. at Minnechaug Regional High School, Article 50). To paraphrase the saying of a former First Lady of the United States: Just vote no.
There will be a public meeting on the Cedar Ridge proposal on May 8 at the Middle School at 7:00 p.m.
The drawings above are being touted as the development options, with 68V-C built out on the bottom. (Click on the photo to enlarge.)
No comments:
Post a Comment