Kristen Gardiner: Vote 'no' on Gilford Article 27, more research needed

To The Daily Sun,

I am urging Gilford residents to vote no on Article 27 as there has been insufficient research into all the potential sites to locate a housing development for developmentally disabled adults. The site selected is wetlands and is in a high traffic area. The proposed project is a laudable one and one that I support. Just not in this location. Donating town land for this worthwhile project is not the issue. The rushed and premature selection of the current site is the issue.

In response to Selectboard member Kevin Hayes’ letter to the editor, it is irresponsible of him to encourage the citizens to vote to transfer town-owned land for a permanent project without further information that this is the best possible site. If he has more concrete information to share on the site selection process that would be beneficial and educate the Gilford citizens so they can make an informed decision, then please share it. I am disappointed that he is not more open-minded and willing to listen to valid concerns posed by citizens and neighbors, dismissing us as NIMBY. As a selectboard member he has a duty to actively listen and evaluate the input from all citizens.

The Alvah Wilson lot is wetlands and wildlife habitat. It is located at the busy intersection of 11A and Alvah Wilson Road. This is not a pedestrian-friendly location without significant additional investment into traffic controls, sidewalks and widening of the street. A more appropriate site for this project would be across from the library and the church. I would like to see more sites reviewed before the citizens of Gilford vote to transfer this lot.

Please vote "no" until this project and all viable locations can be more thoroughly vetted.

Kristen Gardiner

Gilford