Not All Regulations Bad

The vote was taken and the town of Newry rejected the Route 26 Corridor Management Plan or the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway. While I was not happy with the outcome and knowing only 10 voted in favor of it, I will accept it. However I feel there needs to be a statement made to those 46 people that voted down the measure.

The most common comment made in the comment portion of the meeting was that they did not want to be told what they could do with their property. I would like to have been able to speak to those people directly, but procedure is that you comment to the moderator.

The comment that I would have made in rebuttal was that you are already told what you can do with your property. In 1992 the town voted to accept the 1992 Comprehensive Plan (this was in the Corridor Management Plan). That plan has in place protections and a direction. Additionally you have codes that must be met. You have a protection zone along the Bear River, and there are tree growth management plans already in place. Additionally if you build or add on to your home you must have a permit and meet code. If you don’t have a permit you cannot have a junk yard. If you wanted to dump chemicals or waste, you are already regulated as this would have a direct relation to the groundwater which affects everyone.

These are all regulations telling you what you can or cannot do with your property. In reality there should have been no fear of “being told what you can do with your property.” Protections and plans are already in place without the Byway Plan.

Not all regulations are bad, many are there for your protection. Hopefully people will eventually see this.

Connie Moulton

Newry