Time to nix the community center

Standish taxpayers should be pretty upset about last month’s revelation that the town spent $325,000 on property for a community center only to discover that the land can’t be developed because of vernal pools and wetlands.

On Oct. 5, the Army Corps of Engineers performed a site walk of the property located at the intersection of Moody Road and Route 35 and told Standish officials that wetlands issues would prevent a large development. However, town officials are keeping a positive attitude with Town Councilor Phil Pomerleau saying the 8-acre property could fetch more than $325,000 if the town decides to sell the property. He is probably right, but that doesn’t excuse the original expenditure.

The community center proposal has been a controversial topic since its conception several years ago. Many in town have called the multi-million dollar project a waste of taxpayer money arguing that the center would get little use and would only duplicate services found at other buildings in town, including St. Joseph’s College, schools and the newly built town hall.

But, there has been support as well. Thinking they were bringing a much-needed recreational focal point to town, some Standish officials have been pretty excited about making the community center a reality. Their zeal was confirmed by a favorable telephone poll of more than 500 residents in 2004.

But recent developments outweigh those polls of years ago. June’s election was a sea change that seemed to revolve around the community center. Wayne Newbegin was elected to the council primarily because of his opposition to the project. Longtime Councilor Larry Simpson, a major supporter of the project, was defeated.

The proposal has fizzled, embarrassingly so with the Army Corps’ reality-check. There may have been much community support years ago, but support has flagged. It’s time for town leaders to recognize the lack of support and spare the town any more wasteful expenditures.

Put the banners to a vote

Each holiday season, the same old discussion comes up in Windham concerning the display of holiday banners on telephone polls along Route 302 in the shopping district. Enough’s enough. The town should add the question to the ballot in June so voters can decide.

According to Windham’s Economic Development Director Keith Luke, banners, brackets, and manpower to erect the banners would cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Maintenance and replacement of damaged banners would be extra. Opponents of the idea say the costs are too high, the banners a luxury we can live without.

Supporters believe North Windham could use a little holiday cheer and that banners would draw more shoppers. They begrudge Windham planners for turning their town into a commercial mess and want the town to do something to improve its appearance.

While the people are divided, so are town leaders, and they have been for years. Their division and indecision has led to much frustration for those who care about the issue. That’s why the matter should go to the people who can decide once and for all.

-John Balentine, editor