The citizens of Portsmouth have an important
decision to make at the November 6th polls that will have a
significant and perpetual affect on the Town. The Portsmouth
Economic Development Committee (PEDC) is charged with providing the
Town with complete and balanced information on matters that affect
the Town’s economic well being.
We support Referendum Question 3 on the November 6th
ballot for the following economic reasons.
(1) There are a limited number of open space parcels
in Portsmouth. These parcels, if not conserved, will be developed.
We cannot expect the people who own these parcels to not,
eventually, capitalize on their investment. Most of the parcels are
zoned residential. If not managed properly, most will become
residential developments. Residential developments are negative
revenue generators in that, by any measure, they require more in
services than they pay in property taxes.
(2) The Aquidneck Land Trust has identified 20
parcels in Portsmouth that are primed for conservation. Having
capital on hand to partner with them in acquisition of these parcels
is essential to ensure these parcels are properly conserved.
(3) Stewardship of the open space we currently have
under Town management is important to maintaining the Town’s
dedication to our rural-type character. Investment in our current
open space and facilities (such as our jewel of Glen Farm) is
essential to support that stewardship.
(4) Managing open space will help us in our quest to
maintain our rural-type character. This small town character is one
thing that differentiates our Town from other localities and
attracts the type of businesses that endeavor to maintain that
character while providing a positive revenue stream.
Aside from the economic reasons for maintaining open
space, we have a fundamental responsibility to do our part in
maintaining our environment and what open space adds to clean water,
clean air and wildlife habitats. It is hard to place quantitative
economic value on these items, but we all know they are important.
The notion that we cannot afford to invest in these
items in our difficult economic times is short sighted. In the
long-term view, once these remaining open space parcels are
converted to housing developments and we see better economic times,
it will be too late to invest to reverse the damage. The investment
in this bond is pennies per day per taxpayer. The economic return is
much more.
For the Committee,
Richard Talipsky. Chair
