Chester citizens and taxpayers intrigued in accessing and using the Connecticut River may well locate the following of desire.
In September 2020, I requested the Chester Board of Selectmen to examine and report on the possible city acquisition of 9 Parkers Level, an just about 4-acre parcel with property situated immediately adjacent to the town boat start.
I prompt this could be a as soon as-in-a-life time possibility to have a park-like setting for Chester residents straight on the Connecticut River that would enhance and boost the boat start. 9 Parkers Point experienced been for sale for quite a few months, since the last of the proprietors passed away. The original asking rate of $1.3 million was lessened to $1.15 million right before the assets was taken off the market in late slide 2020. My understanding is the proprietor will return the property to the market in spring.
Some of the restrictions for 9 Parkers Place as a home incorporate its proximity to the boat ramp, the railroad tracks jogging across the prime of the home, and an easement street throughout the major of the house. None of these would diminish the value as a park for Chester residents, I consider, and the proximity to the boat start is essentially an asset given that the launch spot now is pretty limited for parking or other (exceptional) use by Chester residents.
The city currently has more than $3 million in surplus resources — a portion of which could be applied to the acquire which I consider need to be negotiated aggressively to a decreased, much more practical rate than the final of $1.15 million. Notice that the adjacent home experienced been supplied additional than a 10 years ago to the town for $1.3 million. It eventually offered for $675,000. 9 Parkers Position is a considerably nicer piece of land, but supplied the proximity to the road and boat start, currently being fewer non-public and probably value fewer as a home website and much more as a city park.
Chester is the only city on the decreased Connecticut River devoid of a first rate public park. Inspite of my repeated attempts to move along city investigation of 9 Parkers Position as a park, I’ve been frustrated by the lack of response and conversation from City Corridor, specially To start with Selectman Lauren Gister.
Even if the city did not use surplus resources — which are our tax dollars previously paid by us and sitting down in the town’s account — a order as a result of bonding would price actually less than a penny for every tax greenback for the duration of time the bond was remarkable (20 or 25 yrs). Men and women involved about taxes in Chester — and that certainly involves me — need to also think about there would be the once-a-year reduction of property tax income from 9 Parkers Issue transitioning from personal to general public possession (about $12,000), along with the price of sustaining the park land. All of that would pretty much be a tiny portion of 1 cent of every greenback of taxes paid.
Yet again, I have questioned that the town only look into and converse to its citizens and taxpayers about 9 Parkers Level. If you feel having a location to go to park, perform, launch tiny boats, permit the young ones splash in the river — I might advise you consider calling Town Hall and the selectmen and letting them know how you truly feel. If you are a boater discouraged with the deficiency of accessibility at the town boat launch and the minimal parking, I might also advise considering this proposal.
For a quite small price tag (relative to what Chester owns and spends every year, which is $14 million in addition), this is an opportunity that may perhaps in no way arrive once again. Know that Chester has a few private yacht clubs and three non-public marinas at which almost 1,000 boats are stored. Connecticut River access is remarkably prized, but almost every single usable acre in Chester on the river is taken. Chester inhabitants may by no means have a further possibility like 9 Parkers Point.
Feel cost-free to remark here, and let your views be identified to town officers who I consider presented their observe with the library (much too costly, far too grand, in no way happened) and community center (lost, insurance coverage income squandered thanks to incompetence and laziness) and other Chester initiatives — these officials require to be “prodded” to act. Let us do that. Thank you.
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