We need to keep the momentum. We need to take the next step toward revitalizing town center. We need to vote in favor of Article 23 to appropriate funds for the Municipal Building Task Force.
Over the past months the task force afforded townspeople the opportunity to come together to work collaboratively on a vision for the reuse of municipal buildings. A diverse group met three times to brainstorm ideas, explore possibilities, and become excited about new uses for the buildings and a new vitality for the town center. Before and after these meetings the task force worked tirelessly, synthesizing ideas and researching possibilities that had come out of the conversations. The task force merits the town’s respect and gratitude for their outstanding job in facilitating the process.
It is time for the next step. In order to make final decisions and move forward, we need to get specific information on possible uses, potential revenues, and construction costs. Some of this data will be collected by volunteers, but much will require the paid services of professionals. It will be money well spent since it will allow us to continue moving toward the realization of our vision for town center.
Some people may balk at being asked to pay for “a plan.” Haven’t we, over the years, paid for a number of plans, most of which have never resulted in action? This is a different kind of plan. The people of Harvard have already created the concept; what we are paying for is the very important second step, a financial and feasibility plan. We are ready for something very specific, something very practical that will put us into position to use these historical buildings in ways that recapture the full potential of town center.
The charrette experience, complete with field trips to the town buildings, was small town America at its best. It is unthinkable that all that great leadership, creative energy, and community spirit could come to a halt.
Carlene Phillips
Oak Hill Road
