<-Previous - - Next->  ----  Printer-Friendly   Our Latest Posts: * Picard Tours POPS by the sea *  Picard Tours Rhode Island Light House Tour *  Picard Tours Newport Playhouse * 

Something to say? See Open Mike - News You Can Use

Oak point clubs: we have plenty of room for your pictures and announcements! See Clubs for more information.

Over the last few years, our town has been inundated with controversy. The last few weeks have been daunting to us, as the Wampanoag's announced to us that they were putting their casino elsewhere. Whether you agree with it or not, the casino issue came forward because of the need of revenue to offset our tax base.

We have another issue on the table, now, to be presented to the town meeting, for a vote on June 7, 2010. This issue is the Community Preservation Act.

It makes sense to at least open our minds to the concept of getting some money back for a savings plan to make use of our commodities.

The Community Preservation Act is a matching of our tax revenue to the state revenue gained from registry of deed fees.

Right now, the communities that have adopted this plan are seeing a gain of 31 cents on the dollar that they have paid into it. It may not seem like much, but it can change for the better, as times turn around.

What can the community get from this savings?

It can get tourism. Agritourism from our agricultural community and historic tourism from our large industrial, business, tribal and scenic assets.

The key issues are trying to preserve our agricultural land and our historic community. For example, the Gibbs Farm could be used as a land match and in kind match for a grant for a country store and agricultural products that will go back into the community.

Another example would be from the past experience of the Soule Farm. Using that farm as leverage, borrowing from the CPA fund, would have allowed for the expansions in record time considering the number of fundraisers that have had to go on for the renovations.

The Green School would have been renovated and kept up without having to go for private donations.

The Pratt Farm could get a grant for a pavilion by using the land as a match and the CPA funds for the project.

Peter Oliver house could be purchased and tied into a living museum for events and education of the industrial era.

Trail ways along the Nemasket River could be put into place through grants that can only come to towns that have adopted the CPA. These trail ways can be used for biking, walking, sightseeing and reenactments.

What the community would gain from the CPA fund would be an opportunity to preserve its history and open its doors to tourism from the tourists heading towards Cape Cod, Plymouth and "staycations". It could become a destination spot for the tourists.

It would gain revenue to help balance the budget and it would provide jobs in this community.

For approximately $27.00 a year, or a jar full of change, per household, the town would get back a match of approximately $8.37. Multiply that by each household, it is a savings to the community for the future and sustainability. It allows us to forge forward in this ever changing economy with a concept that has proven to be very lucrative for communities such as Plymouth and Martha's Vineyard Island.

Please, come to the town meeting and vote "yes" for this Act to go on the ballot in November.

We have nothing to lose and everything to gain for this vote. If after five years you decide that it wasn't worth the extra money you can always change your mind and vote to remove it. However, judging from what other communities have accomplished with their funds, the community will not change their mind and will borrow from history and forge on towards the future.

Judy Bigelow-Costa
Written as an individual
508-946-0499 Middleborough

Click for:

Homes

Reviews

Technology

Health

Gardening

Clubs and Notes

Opinions

Misc.

For Sale

Calendar

Popular

Advertise Here - Free for Oak Point Homeowners

This website has no affiliation with the management of Oak Point Homes.

Subscribe to automatic notifications of new posts

1 1 1 1 1 1 22 13 4