Second Homeowner letter regarding Ravine Road

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