April 9, 2008
Dear Selectmen and Committee,
I am very new to
I am saddened that my first interaction with the other town residents may appear to be one that is out of step with the town.
I ask that you appreciate my situation, however, and help me to have a much greater assurance that I can enjoy my home and this wonderful place.
Concern 1.
Article 28:
This addresses the town’s concern that
It does not say that a resident/homeowner will bear NO cost of the protection and upgrade of private homes, wells, and septic systems, Or that NO home shall be destroyed or taken by eminent domain for ANY reason.
There is discussion under the questions and answers that say the homeowner will not pay costs, or property taken, so I believe this should also be reflected in Article 28, or another binding document that would be binding on all local, state, and federal, and private agencies that may be part of the undertaking.
Concern 2:
Will individual homeowners be apprised of the affect on their property value, and exactly what will be done to safeguard and protect their home and the required systems, BEFORE any waters are allowed to enter the marsh? Specifically, will these matters be taken care of BEFORE ANY waters are released to “see what effect it has and see what happens”?
Concern 3
I purchased my home in large part because it was surrounded by protected shore land. Now I learn it is to be cleared, chipped or burned, and the language does not refer to just the dead trees, but to (refer to question 10 and the answer) also of alders, brush and trees. This will also kill many of the creatures who use this brush for their homes and for protection and breeding. I have not yet had time to obtain a copy of the biological report, but I will and I will review it. I see that the committee thinks the benefits outweigh maintaining what is there now, but has there been any type of an impact study of the ecosystem in place since 1940? There are micro organisms and various forms of animal and aquatic life there now. Surely the introduction of more salt will destroy many of them. Many animals require the water that is in place now. Cutting down and destroying all of the brush and trees (yes, they will die anyhow in salt water as one can observe by the dead trees) will have an impact. I am also concerned with damage that could be caused by blockages in the narrow water way to the main river. I have also observed the ice floes that come to rest at low tide and the enormity of many of them. Has anyone
researched what will happen if these floes jam at the mouth of the West Branch? Couldn’t they virtually erase the town landing if such a jam moves slowly?
Concern 4
This is purely a concern for my property and well being. My home, in the middle of the dyke, is unique. I paid much more than the home is worth because of the view but just as importantly because of the protected marsh lands that I thought would be there forever. No one can say for sure how long it will take to reestablish this salt marsh. It will be pretty grim to watch what is now a wonderful area, not contaminated, not causing damage as other areas targeted for reestablishment frequently are, be mowed down. I also fear how this will impact on my home, its septic system its fresh water system, and the general quality of life here. I would like to have it, because of its ground zero location, be specifically addressed in a written plan before any waters are released into the marsh. I am happy to have my home and its systems examined and evaluated by impartial parties.
Thank you for your time and addressing my concerns,
Linda Smith
04/20/08
Linda Smith
490 Ridge Road
Addison, ME 04606
RE: West Branch Study
Dear Linda,
The West Branch project is a study only. The purpose of the project is to collect data so that Addison and Columbia land owners with property that boarders the brook and area residence would have as much information as possible available to them so they could make an informed decision on the best way to persevere and protect the Branch Brook.
The voter
The problem we have is that the bridge over Branch Brook is old. The Maine Department of Transportation is currently responsible for maintaining the bridge and gates. The Ridge Road was a State maintained road and it was turned over to the town several years ago and now the town is responsible for maintenance of the road. We are concerned that the State will turn over maintenance of the bridge and gates to the town. Can the town afford the cost to maintain the gates?
Concern 1. Article 28? I am not sure what Town Report you are referring to but the voters approved the study only and put a limit on a commitment of funds by the town at $5,000. Any additional funding would have to come from grants. Any plans for changes in the gate system that are developed through the study would require a vote of the town voters before it could be implemented.
Concern 2. Yes.
Concern 3. The gates have been out before due to storm damage and lack of repair. The only effect I know of to the marsh was that a lot of fresh water vegetation and trees were killed. There was no major damage to anyone’s property. Any debris would be removed as part of the project.
Concern 4. Any land owner that wants their land protected from salt water and request that their land be gated to keep the salt water out.
You have asked some great questions. I would like to suggest that you get involved with the study committee. The committee would like to have more land owners involved in the study process.
Remember that this is a study only.
Sincerely,
Michael Murphy
Selectman