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Update on the building proposal for the RT 4 land adjacent to land trust:
This is a relevant and timely opportunity to participate in our local government process, to implement positive change!
This week, 27 MARCH 2024, 7:30pm, the First Selectman will be asking the Board of Finance (BOF), for a significant amount of money to develop the land, despite public opposition.
For those that are willing, I am asking those concerned about this proposal to write letters and emails to BOF expressing your concerns and asking that your correspondence become part of the record.
Please express your concerns and request that they do not fund this project.
Here are board of finance email addresses where letters can be sent:
Please contact me if you need additional information on addresses or points of contact.
Here is a link to our website with additional information:
Here is a link to our Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/5df784ba
If anyone would like yard signs, to make a donation, or to help in other ways, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you so much for your help and support to implement positive change. Below is my letter to BOF. Please feel free to use any elements you wish.
Sincerely,
Marissa L. Wright
203-525-7438
marissawright99@yahoo.com
March 19th, 2024
Dear Board of Finance,
I am writing first to thank you for your work on the board, for your attention to detail in upholding fiscal responsibility, and ultimately for your role in the protection of taxpayer dollars.
I am writing to request that the Board of Finance consider denial of any request from the First Selectman and Public Works Department for funding of a new Public Works building, until such time that it can be determined, through a non-biased approach, that additional infrastructure is needed and that adequate and substantial public involvement, including meetings and site visits have taken place.
I have been advised at the 20 February 2024 Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting, that a new building proposal will be presented for the land on RT 4, 190 Sharon Turnpike at the next BOS and Planning and Zoning meetings. I have also confirmed with the Selectmen that as of 22 February 2024, no needs assessment for public works has been conducted. How can another proposal be put forth, if we have not even determined that new infrastructure is needed?
As a taxpayer of this town, I remain extremely concerned about the lack of effective strategic planning and the lack of transparency in public expenditures held by the First Selectmen in relation to public infrastructure. How much of a tax increase will the taxpayers of Goshen be burdened with because of another building and its associated long-term maintenance?
I am equally concerned with the First Selectman’s proposals for excessive expenditures, not only on the proposal for a public works facility and its associated long-term maintenance, but also committing the town to a particular match amount for a STEAP grant related to the public works proposal. The amount of the match was far above what was required, and far above what other comparable municipalities have committed to for similar projects. All without adequate transparency with the town boards, or the taxpayers of this town.
The following is a list of additional concerns:
• Initially, a piece of equipment was borrowed from the Council of Governments (COG), that was too big to fit in the existing public works building – that was reportedly where the idea for a facility initiated. Poor planning is not a justification for spending hard-earned taxpayer dollars and committing the town to a development it does not want, at a location it wants protected. Is the First Selectman seriously considering new permanent infrastructure to house equipment that is not even owned by the town? Such a proposal will waste substantial taxpayer dollars.
• The population in Goshen is stable and has not shown significant growth over many decades. From 2000-2021, Goshen had an annual population growth rate of 0.81% - Neilberg.com Spending taxpayer dollars on an additional public works building based on the assumption that the population of Goshen “might one day” increase dramatically, is not justifiable.
• It is permissible to store many pieces of equipment outside & it is questionable whether a building is needed.
• Developing on undeveloped land is more costly than locating a development in existing footprints, such as the existing public works site. On page 25 of the existing Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), it states the following: “It appears there is considerable satisfaction with the current town facilities and services” …
The Plan of Conservation and Development further states: “Accordingly, any decision to change or improve a municipal service or facility will involve considerable public discussion prior to a formal proposal.” There has been a consistent lack of transparency from the First Selectman regarding the public works proposals, which is in direct conflict with the recommendations of the POCD.
Additionally, page 28 of the POCD states the following for both Public Works and Fire Department existing locations: “Room for expansion is available”, and “The property has area available for additional expansion if necessary.” Purchasing and proposing infrastructure at 190 Sharon Turnpike was and is in direct conflict with the recommendations of the approved POCD.
I further respectfully request that you use extra caution and scrutiny with any further requests made to this committee, given the circumstances under which the public works situation has been handled.
Please enter this letter into public record.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa L. Wright
226 Sharon Turnpike
Goshen, CT 06756