Vote ‘no’ on complex and save Dac Rowe

Constructing an addition to the library to better serve our community makes sense. The current plan to attach the town offices to the library and pave over an acre of the Dac Rowe recreation area does not seem to be in the best interest of Waterbury.

This large complex does not even replace the police station we need. The land and hillside that will be paved is currently groomed for cross-country skiing and is one of the most beautiful places to ski, sled, or snowshoe anywhere. In the spring, summer and fall you can walk on a path among the gardens as you overlook the ball fields below and the mountains beyond.

The voters have not had the opportunity to see plans or costs for replacing our town offices back on Main Street in the village center. That location next to our new fire station should be looked at as an option that voters could consider.

The National Park Service has protected the land at the Dac Rowe recreation area for decades. They are now reviewing evidence that requirements for a land swap have not been met. There are substantial detailed requirements to take this land, and if the park service finds the town has not met them all, significant delays and costs become concerns.

Encourage the select board and village trustees to work together to create plans and estimate costs so that the town offices and police station can be returned to 51 South Main St. This solution would save some of the most precious recreation land in Waterbury. Vote no on the large complex that is being proposed so we can keep the town offices in the center of the village and save Dac Rowe.

Gary Griffith

Waterbury