I am opposed to Article 17. Our town is in a financial quagmire. Though the Park and Recreation Commission says this acquisition will not raise taxes, this is disingenuous. Development and maintenance of fields is costly. Community Preservation Act funds are part of our taxes and cannot be used for maintenance. The Park and Recreation Commission complains that many existing fields have poor drainage and design. Improve our existing assets first.
The study declaring a field shortage was based only on responses from coaching staff in town. I have coached many years of youth baseball in Harvard. My kids have played sports here. I support providing facilities, but in a prudent and financially viable way.
Park and Rec has not been transparent. At an informal meeting and requests during Park and Rec meetings regarding the Stone Land and Harvard Park, our neighborhood group has been promised information and to be kept informed. Nothing has been provided to us. Discussion of a pump track planned in Harvard Park was intentionally obfuscated during a public Park and Rec meeting. We were upset at being excluded. We still have not received any information about alternatives studied rather than the development of the Stone Land. This is pertinent to Article 17. Let taxpayers have this information. Is leasing fields in Devens a solution? Park and Rec states transport to Devens is an issue and wants the fields “in town.” Devens is in town.
Old Mill Road fields would also require transportation, though we were told no buses would service the field on Stone Land. Really? Perhaps converting the field at McCurdy Track to turf is a solution, and better for some sports, such as field hockey.
I applaud Park and Rec’s request for money to fix some infrastructure. It is also seeking well over $2 million for McCurdy Track and field. Let’s take care of our existing facilities and not seek more support from an overworked DPW. I have lived in town for over 30 years; things change over time, but change must be planned for the future as well as current impacts. Though I applaud Park and Rec for their work, I urge you to not support Article 17 until full information is disclosed and a proper financial plan is in place.
Pablo Carbonell
Old Mill Road
