I am an avid skier and hiker from Goshen. I oppose the Mount Sunapee expansion plan, proposed by Commissioner Jeff Rose, because I am concerned about my town.
The plan does not protect the town from condominium development. The main features in this plan are the same as previously rejected expansion plans. Only one variance in Goshen’s zoning laws needs to be changed, which will then allow private real estate and commercial development on the land owned by the resort operators (the Muellers). The plan puts the responsibility for managing that development solely on Goshen volunteer zoning and planning boards.
The increased cost to Goshen for necessary fire and safety upgrades, road maintenance and other municipal services will override every increase in tax revenue promised to Goshen. Rose says that Goshen will see increased revenue of $90,000, but how much does one fire truck or outfitted police officer cost?
By signing the amended lease, the state appears to grant exclusive development rights to the condo developers (the Muellers), while no other existing abutting state parkland landowner will be able to develop due to language regarding the necessity of a public access point. This does not seem fair.
This plan is a violation of public trust. Our public lands should not be used to leverage financial gain for private corporations. Please encourage the governor and executive councilors to reject this plan and protect the State Park as it was intended.
LYDIA HAWKES
Goshen