BRATTLEBORO — In reference to The Commons article in the Sept. 21 issue, “Proposed Skate Park Trapped in Legal Limbo,” it was striking to see the total absence of information regarding the concerns of our recently formed local neighborhood coalition, the Save Our Playground Coalition (SOPC), provided almost two weeks prior to this story.
This information would have made the basis for our collective opposition to the location of the skate park in Crowell Park clear.
It was also disappointing to read contentious statements by BASIC President David Longsmith. As chair of SOPC, I have had very civil and congenial conversations with Adam Hubbard, despite differences in position and information.
Therefore, Longsmith's must-win posture appeared to negate our own preference for a win-win solution to our differences. Some SOPC members have openly clarified this and offered possible alternatives.
Personally, I believe the responsibility of this divisive and contentious situation rests with the town leaders, particularly the Brattleboro School Board, the Selectboard, and the town administration. These leaders have provided support for a plan to alter a public space that is not yet been fully described or developed.
For example, there was no expert tree assessment done regarding the risk to old-growth trees in the park, nor was there an assessment by the Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee, prior to the support by these public leaders. Thus far, we have only seen a plan outline proposed by BASIC, as opposed to a finalized technical design, including specifics regarding installation of such a massive structure in a public park.
But most importantly, these leaders have ignored the history of opposition from residential neighborhoods in Brattleboro prior to approving and supporting this plan.