Gayle Bestick: Whoever buys Tilton field should save and protect it

To The Daily Sun,

Shame on the Tilton Selectboard for their plan to auction the town owned property U07 9-1, a 0.39-acre parcel. The property was owned by Clarida Cannon (a Boston Post Cane Recipient) until her passing at over 100 years, when the family sold the property. The property was purchased and “the field” was subdivided. Unfortunately, the owner faced foreclosure on both parcels. The town took the subdivided property by tax deed in 2015. That parcel was auctioned, and the winner backed out of the deal, losing his deposit; the second awarded bidder declined, the town was able to keep the deposit. A Cedar Street abutter (actual third bidder) had offered cash in hand several times prior to the original auction, and who had met with the selectboard, unfortunately they were not granted the right to purchase the lot. Their intention was to purchase the lot, add it to their parcel, and place an easement on the property so the field would never be developed. It is considered by the abutters and other residents of the tree street neighborhoods to be a wildlife corridor for deer, bear, fox, and other natural wildlife.

Every spring, Mrs. Cannon would offer a generous donation to the fire department where the neighbors would gather to enjoy watching the controlled burn of the field which allowed the growth to rejuvenate for its beauty. A local contractor has confirmed it is not a buildable lot; there are also certain building restrictions for that parcel.

This is an appeal for whoever attends the auction with the intention of developing the lot, to please think twice; do the due diligence, survey the boundary lines and realize the field needs to be saved, and should not be developed.

Gayle Bestick

Tilton