Following is a second home owner's letter regarding the repair (or non-repair) of Ravine Road.
Dear Seth,
I am writing regarding the reconstruction of Ravine Road. I
was recently informed that the Select Board is contemplating not rebuilding this
road either in whole or in part, and is questioning just how many people use
this road.
While I am not sure how many residents use it, I can assure
you hundred’s of second home owners regularly use Ravine Road to access the ski
area and other businesses on the mountain. For many of us it was our primary
artery.
With the recent removal of the light at Dean Hill, Ravine
Road became even more imperative. Many times this past winter we experienced
extensive waiting due to the high volume of traffic at the Dean Hill/Access Road
entrance. The volume of traffic was so heavy we were forced to access the
mountain via Highridge Road. A highly undesirable scenario for both Highridge
residents and the Town if this trend continues.
I understand the Select Board has the sole authority to
decide on repairing Ravine Road. Moving the repairs to a town-wide vote is not
only unnecessary, it is grossly unfair to the second homeowners that cannot vote
in this election. Over 90% of the use of this road is by second homeowners. A
town-wide vote on this repair would be a major slap in the face to second
homeowners. Especially in light of a tripling of our property taxes over the
last decade. While I understand that the State is responsible for this tax
increase, it still represents a major escalation in annual costs. The primary
benefit of property taxes to second homeowners, if not the only benefit, is road
repair and maintenance.
Out of fairness to the hundreds of second homeowners who have
supported this town for decades, I ask that the Select Board consider moving
ahead with repairs, even if it is only one lane.
Sincerely
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