Sweeton clarifies several issues in support of the Community Preservation proposal

To the editor: A recent letter to the editor questioned the meaning of a comment I made in a TV interview. I had stated that “even though the transfer tax might not be enough to fund all the purchases we desire, it will at least give us some borrowing power.” The writer asked: “Does that mean that the Town will actually borrow money for the purchase and use the transfer tax money for debt repayment?” The answer is that the Town can never spend more than can be generated by the transfer tax for any land or property development rights acquisition under the Community Preservation Plan. In addition any expenditure of funds is subject to a mandatory public hearing before our residents. Another letter to the editor questioned why the property on Route 94 which is proposed for the Hannaford Supermarket is on the list of properties which might be someday purchased. My thanks to writer for pointing out that we had, in fact, included the Hannaford property in the list of possible acquisitions. That site now has preliminary Planning Board approval to go forward with the construction of a much needed supermarket. Final approval, which is expected shortly, will automatically remove the site from consideration for open space acquisition. Finally, the letter writer is advised that no properties outside of the Town of Warwick are included on the list of possible properties to preserve. Nor will any state, county or municipally owned lands be eligible for acquisition using transfer tax funds under the Community Preservation Plan. I hope this clarifies these issues. Again, I urge all voters to call me at Town Hall (986-1120, ext. 240) if you have any questions or concerns with regard to the vote (referendum) to approve the transfer tax which will be on the Nov. 7 ballot as Proposition 1. I remain confident that if you know all the facts and benefits of this law, you will vote “YES” on the CPA Proposition 1 on Nov. 7. Michael P. Sweeton Warwick Town Supervisor