Community Centre Plebiscite?
Although Mayor Dave and the Council continue to assure us that the final commitment to build a community centre has not been made, the probability that such will happen seems an inexorable finality.
But is this the time to take on such a massive commitment? Given that this project will (we believe) be the largest single capital expenditure ever undertaken in Pelham; given that the tax consequences of a $37 M addition to the Town’s existing debt have not been fully detailed (how much annually and for how many years?); given that there is no provincial or federal funding commitment, and given that every economic indicator is negative for the foreseeable future, surely this project requires sober second thought.
May we suggest that the citizens of Pelham have an opportunity to decide if a commitment of this size is something we are willing to take on at this time? A plebiscite drafted by the Council that clearly sets out projected initial costs, projected annual upkeep, and probable impact on taxes will provide a definitive answer to the hesitancy and apprehension that now clouds this project.
Ginette and Patrick O’Hara
11 Kinsman Court, Fonthill
