To the Editor:

The Town House project is in disarray and developing strong opposition by many in the community looking for fiscal restraint. The $12,000,000 proposed project does not factor in foreseeable cost overruns or costs for relocating town administration during the renovation. Realistically the TH project balloons to $15,000,000.

The Proposed Warrant article requesting approval for $476, 976 for continuing design work on the project brings the total design expenses and authorizations to approximately $1,000,000. All this when there is no clear community support for the project without which we should not attempt to move forward.

In order to obtain community support, the Board of Selectmen should consider taking the following action:

1.     Place a stand still on continuing Town House design spending until a clear community census is obtained, including a project spending cap.

2.     Restructure the Town House Committee for better balance and objectivity to allow additional views to have a voice.

3.     Charge the restructured committee with the task of “starting over” to objectively evaluate all options on the merits including new opportunities for the VFW property and all other municipal facilities as well as alternative private uses for the Town House.

Ted North
Marion