Groton RTM approves projects for Voter Referendum in Fall

In a lengthy session tonight, and with some members absent due to summer vacations, the Groton Town RTM discussed and voted to pass two ordinances which will now be referred to the taxpayers for the Referendum this fall.  

 (1) By a vote of 24 yes, 4 no and zero abstentions, they approved the Police Station Upgrade which includes improvements and expansions of the intake/booking section and holding cells, CCTV surveillance, roof repairs and the shooting range.  

This work is very badly needed and previous attempts to deal with these issues had met with budget resistance. The cost to the taxpayers will be minimal over time with this bond.  

2) By a very narrow vote, with 14 yes, 13 no and 1 abstention, they also approved the expensive Flanders Road Water and Sewer project, over some serious objections, including excessive cost to taxpayers on what many perceive as a gamble with taxpayer's money that might only benefit the major landowner of most of the land off Flanders Road.  

 Some of the RTM members who voted "yes" said they simply wanted their taxpayers to decide whether to risk money for such a project. Other members stated that voters in their districts intended to vote this project down if it came to referendum.   

 This project should be rejected by the voters. There are existing commercial areas, that already have water and sewer, that still need to be developed. It was also noted that the assessed value of the large Marriott Hotel had dropped considerably since the previous revaluation, calling into question the wisdom of the previous water and sewer expansion project on Route 117 in the first place.  

 As a Groton taxpayer, I feel this is the time to focus on improving what we have without subjecting ourselves to an uncertain financial gamble. We still have bonds on other projects to pay off.