Josh Bartlett: Opposes proposed move of offices to CruCon building

To The Daily Sun,

I am a former Moultonborough selectman, Planning Board chair, and Library trustee. I strongly oppose the proposed move of the town offices and Recreation Department to the CruCon Building at the western edge of the town line.

Do we really want to abandon the Village? The Village has two churches, two banks, our post office, an excellent public library, Moultonborough Academy and Central schools, community auditorium, medical offices, a number of locally owned businesses, several historic buildings, war memorials, Sutherland Park, the Historical Society Museum, a number of residences and two walking trails. All are within walking distance of our existing Town Hall.

These resources are the character of Moultonborough. Shall we sell our heritage? Is it really all about money?

Just because the CruCon property is offered at a very attractive price does not mean that it will be good for the town. The history and heritage of Moultonborough are important. The village is our identity and legacy to future generations. Many people don’t even know that the CruCon building is in Moultonborough. That part of town is often thought of as Center Harbor.

I dispute the claim that the existing Town Hall needs to be replaced. There is space available in the existing building if the "store room" is used and the records stored there are either digitized or moved to the library or other location. How many more town employees need office space? The $20 million replacement cost is a scare tactic. An appropriately sized, quality addition, if needed, could be built onto our existing Town Hall at less than $500-$600 per square foot. We certainly don’t need a new building.

Please save our village by voting down the CruCon purchase at Town Meeting. Thanks for considering this important issue.

Josh Bartlett

Moultonborough