Thanks to Neil and Suzanne Rutter of Goshen for your letter supporting Sunapees enhancement plans! We are residents of Goshen, NH, the community which most likely would experience the greatest impact from the proposed Mount Sunapee expansion. We fully support the proposed expansion of the resort. Our reasons for supporting this expansion are as follows. Goshen would benefit a great deal from the increased tax base which this development would provide . Goshen has a very high tax rate due to its small population (fewer than 850), and limited commercial businesses. Unlike the nearby towns of Newbury, New London and Sunapee, Goshen does not have a significant tax base derived from lake-front properties. The proposed development would provide an increased tax base. This would provide Goshen with a much-needed revenue source for improvements to the community. Goshen and the surrounding communities need more employment opportunities. Some critics of expansion would prefer to see better paying jobs, as was the case in the past with mills and factories. But, sadly, those days of blue-collar prosperity are behind us. Granted, part-time work on the hill in the winter (and increasingly in the summer as the mountain adds more summer activities) does not offer either high pay or benefits, but something is better than nothing. This expansion would also provide many other jobs associated with its construction. Increased tourism and more residents would very likely spur ongoing development of new businesses which would then provide additional new job opportunities. Once built, these residences and businesses would require maintenance and repair, which would provide ongoing employment for many local people. it is understood that these are not “awesome” jobs with high pay or benefits, but again, something is better than nothing. One of the complaints of the expansion opponents is that the state would be mingling public and private interests if it allowed private access to public lands for the benefit of private individuals. Is it not the states obligation to provide benefits to its residents? Is that not why the state set aside public land and established sporting opportunities such as skiing, camping, boating, hiking, to mention only a few? Allowing access to public land is necessary to allow citizens to use this land. It appears that opponents of expansion view people walking on trails as being more admirable than those skiing on the same property. There is already a public-private partnership with the private management of the public assets in the state park. All who use Mount Sunapee appreciate the improved management provided by the private sector. Private managers should be encouraged to continue to improve these resources by making it financially rewarding. Growth does not have to result in destruction of our environment! Over time, Mount Sunapee has grown and has developed into a location that demonstrates both a respect for the natural environment and an awareness of the values of the local population. With care, and guidance from the community, it is possible to maintain our small community atmosphere and to move forward. Growth and change do not have to be bad. Instead of fighting expansion, become a force for both environmental and social responsible growth. Goshen deserves this opportunity! Neil and Suzanne Rutter Goshen, NH
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 21:08:26 +0000
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