BOS response to Rez questions overlooks key facts

Editor’s note: The newly approved Reservoir Pond use regulations allow for boat launching at the Earl Newhouse Waterfront for boats no larger than 16 feet and with a motor no greater than 10 horsepower.

Dear Editor:

Last Tuesday evening, the Canton Board of Selectmen addressed a self-described long-winded letter that I previously sent to the Canton Citizen about the lack of access at Reservoir Pond. I will try and make this tome a bit shorter, as to not be an undue burden on the readers, or your ink supply.

My letter asked many questions and was forwarded to address issues still open at Reservoir Pond. I applaud the BOS for taking this issue seriously and entertaining my personal letter as their opening discussion at the BOS meeting. I was not contacted by the BOS to discuss the letter, or notified of the importance of their response, making it the opening agenda item at their meeting on Tuesday evening. I was not in attendance, and recently reviewed just the opening portion via Canton Community TV.

My boat trailer registration arrived in today’s mail. As soon as I pay the state fee, the town will be triggered to send me a bill for excise tax. Like many other Canton residents, I pay excise tax for the use of my boat and trailer. I have been banned from using Reservoir Pond for three seasons, so far. A fact that seems to evade the Board of Selectmen is that we are not all canoers and kayakers. Some of us pay extra money to use our natural resources, such as the taxpayer-owed Reservoir Pond.

As the BOS is very interested in timelines and keeping facts straight, I will discuss one issue today. Reservoir Pond has been closed for public access for three summer seasons. Launching of boats has been banned at Pleasant Street, trailers are banned at the Earl Newhouse Waterfront, and motors are banned at the Earl Newhouse Waterfront. The gates are closed at the Earl Newhouse Waterfront five months per year.

Abutters can access the Rez, and other citizens cannot. No temporary access provisions have been made to accommodate non-abutting taxpaying boat owners. Regardless of the wording used at the BOS meeting, the Rez is closed, and all we ask for is equity. Free the Rez.

Jim Park

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=34628

Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 28 2016. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.