CPA can make Canton’s ‘jewels’ shine brighter

Dear Editor:

Canton is a hidden jewel in many respects. We are blessed with breathtakingly beautiful open natural areas for hiking, cycling, golfing and boating. Canton claims archaeologically important Signal Hill, Ponkapoag Pond, the Bradley Estate, the Brookwood Community Farm, and the picturesque Blue Hills.

In recent years we have wisely protected recreational open space that is used by so many in our community, including the Williams Estate and Pequitside Farm. While we have made significant progress, there is still more to do. We could facilitate new recreational facilities along the Neponset River at the soon-to-be restored Canton Airport for canoeists, bird watchers, fishermen and hikers. Working with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, we could reestablish canoeing and kayaking northwards down the Neponset River through Fowl Meadow to Paul’s Bridge in Milton and the shoals of Boston Harbor beyond. Why not bring the Neponset River back to life like her sister, the Charles River?

But how best to pay for it? If our town approves the Community Preservation Act (CPA) on April 3, we’ll establish a dedicated fund to save for these kinds of community investments. Here’s an idea: Let’s all conserve water as environmental stewards of Canton’s water supply and lower our personal water and sewer bills, saving more than enough to offset the modest CPA assessment on real estate taxes. (My family is tracking our household water usage; we expect to save $160 on our water bill this year — much more than the $44 average annual CPA assessment per resident). CPA is an efficient financial vehicle to enhance the jewel that is Canton. Vote Yes on April 3 to approve the Community Preservation Act.

Yours truly,

David Biggers

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=12246

Posted by Canton Citizen on Mar 14 2012. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion, Town Election. Both comments and pings are currently closed.