Charles McGee: Buying CruCon is fiscally responsible for Moultonborough

To The Daily Sun,

A recent letter to the editor, discouraging purchase of the CruCon building, fails to give a complete picture of why it’s in the town’s best interest to do so.

First, moving town hall won’t “destroy” the village or its heritage. The village will continue to look exactly as it does now. All current buildings will remain as they are, including, unfortunately, the deteriorating Grange Hall, an eyesore in the middle of the town.

Secondly, CruCon would allow the town to consolidate three aging buildings into one almost-new one for far below replacement cost. It wouldn’t increase employee count.

Third, new-construction costs are higher than $500 per square foot. The math on the proposed new Meredith town hall equals approximately $700/sf. CruCon amounts to slightly more than $200/sf. Interestingly, many of those opposing the CruCon purchase had no problem, two years ago, voting to put the town into debt for a $15M+ swimming pool and gym. CruCon does not require the town to incur debt. It will be paid with existing funds. Our young people, already struggling with high housing costs, won’t have to pay bond debt for the next 20 or 30 years. Other arguments (traffic, “wrong” part of town, not necessary, will eliminate the community garden, etc.) are all disingenuous. Buying CruCon is a fiscally-responsible action that will save taxpayers millions going forward.

Yes, we should respect the past, but time doesn’t stand still. The future is now. Please attend town meeting March 14 and vote to support this purchase.

Chuck McGee

Moultonborough