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Dear Citizens,
I am writing to update our progress on the Doane Property Revitalization Project. The
entire project is being looked at as three distinct projects, each
project being part of the developer's master plan. The Bateman
partners are hoping to develop the entire location, but will move
forward managing it in three phases. If the town determines that
we want phases one and three but not two, as we are hearing now, they
are still willing to proceed. The challenge facing the council at
this point is determining the political will of the citizens on how to
move forward. Let me summarize some of the points we have heard
to date.
There have been several people voicing concerns
about moving the town garage if we move forward with phase two.
The primary concern is the costs to taxpayers to make this
happen. Town councilors will need to examine all of the costs and
potential revenues and/or cost savings. We are looking at whether
or not consolidation with a neighboring community makes any
sense. If we are to relocate, where does it make sense to
go? Another concern is that the garage is currently centrally
located, and supporters think that is a good thing. One thing is
for sure, the cost of relocating the town garage will not be covered by
the sale of the property. However, what will future tax revenue
on the project generate over time?
We have heard people who want only phases one and
three. We have heard from others who don't want any of it unless
we include phase two. I am not sure we
are hearing from enough people.
Someone was concerned by the potential of adding
more students to the MSAD if the project moves forward. I know
for a fact that we are not operating our schools at their most
efficient numbers. By not doing so, it affects the state
subsidies we receive for education. It is complicated, and
sometimes doesn't seem to make sense. More kids mean more costs, right?
No, there is significant data that indicates our schools would benefit
by increasing enrollments.
At our meeting on February 14, councilors sent a
contract zone for Phase 1 to the planning board for comment and
review. It will receive a public hearing at their March
meeting. The reason the contract zone is needed has to do with
property setbacks requirements and changing the way our growth tax for
this project is appropriated. As you may know, new houses are
required to pay an impact fee which goes towards a fund for preserving
open space within our community. Instead of paying this fee, the
developer may instead use some of these funds for other municipal
infrastructure improvements, as directed by the council. In other
words, the contract holds the developer responsible for making
improvements the town desires. For example, just an example, we
may want the developer to put in a sidewalk on Main Street from Wyman
Way to where the sidewalk currently ends near the library. A two
mile circular walking route could benefit many citizens. The
contract zone will return to the council in late March for public
hearing.
We continue to seek community feedback. As
you might expect, neighbors' concerns are foremost in our minds.
We would like also to hear from the broader community about what
decisions you think we should make. Personally, I still find the
project exciting. I am most excited about what a complete buildout would provide to our citizens. I
remain, as always, cautious about real and future costs. I hope
you have been following along. If not, there is more information
updated on the town website. If you have questions or concerns,
please get involved. Also, if you support the project, in whole or
in part, please get involved. At the very least, don't hesitate
to pick up the phone and call (or email) me or any of the other
councilors.
Sincerely yours,
Shirley Storey-King, Chair
Cumberland Town Council
sstoreyking@gmail.com
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