Moultonborough residents raise concerns on community center plan
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Opponents of a proposed community center have made their voices heard at a recent meetings, though center organizers say more residents still support the project and recognize the advantages.
The Recreation Strategic Planning Team recently presented a five-year strategy report for the town's recreational needs after a two-year study. The major recommendation was a community and senior center with activity rooms, fields, gym facilities and other amenities aimed at residents of all ages and interests.
The project has an estimated cost of around $5.5 million without a swimming pool, equaling a tax impact of between 15 and 33 cents per $1,000.
The proposed project of around $5.5 million has received public support. The center's opponents, however, have been openly vocal against the project, saying the project is too expensive and would make too much of a tax impact for facilities that are not necessarily needed.
Views were expressed at a public presentation of the strategy committee's report and opponents have come to meetings of the Board of Selectmen to express their staunch opposition.
The selectmen allowed for public comment on the committee report during their last two meetings.
"I think it's ill-conceived, done largely in the dark," said resident Jim Castleberry. "I too would echo that at least I and a good many people are upset the town is considering spending this type of funds. I really think you need to go back to the drawing board."
Resident Jean Beadle cited recent reports indicating that the economy is likely to take a downturn as the price of fuel continues to rise. She also read figures from the recent master plan survey on people's opinions of the recreation department indicating "the majority of people in town are clearly happy with what we have in town, (they) don't think it's broken."
"I hope you would have a zero tolerance for anything that would rase our taxes," Beadle told the selectmen.
McRae said a clear indicator of public support was the 80 percent vote in favor of purchasing the Lion's Club Property at this year's town meeting, which will be the site of the proposed community center. In the master plan survey "there is significant support in that for more senior programs, improved recreational facilities."
With the senior population expected to triple, the need is even greater according to organizers.
McRae said the tax impact would seem minimal for owners of a $1 million home and may equal around $66 a year for someone with a $200,000 home.
"We do realize there are people who can't afford $66, but they are the people who can benefit the most from a senior/community center," he said. "That's very hard to get across to an individual especially seniors who are very strapped the must to their taxes."
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