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A Very Good Option

We have seven options for the Academy building. Some other letters state the belief that it should be used for a community center. That leaves many things open. We have a very good option for refurbishing the building by RAL developers. Even if it’s a small amount of revenue coming into the town, as well as bringing some good condos into the area, it’s bringing money in.

The building will be inhabited by people who will enjoy our town and what it has to offer: charming, small businesses; locally owned and run shops; and a variety of unique food choices. Our businesses will flourish and these new residents in Madison won’t go to other towns as we have plenty to offer. Our fields for the children behind the school won’t be touched. The building will be restored at the developer’s cost. It’ll keep its old-town charm.

It won’t cost taxpayers the projected $140 increase in our yearly taxes. I recall a similar, slight increase in our taxes when the decision to purchase the illustrious Salt Meadows was passed. That also was a waste of money for the people who work and live in this town who aren’t wealthy. Young families have a difficult time now as they have to make choices on how to cut back so their children can keep going to our excellent schools.

This decision hasn’t been made yet and the people who claim they need a community center can pay extra for it themselves. As the building was sitting in limbo for years, it could’ve been maintained by those who want to keep it.

How many will decide to vote for selling the crumbling school, still retaining the charm of that originally lovely building? It’s a win-win situation for Madison and most of its families!

Ellen Snyder

Madison