Middletown’s recent catalog of ongoing projects is impressive, reflecting a focus on improving a multitude of functions and expanding available resources. However, none of these projects could have been approved without the necessary funding. And, in a municipal government – notwithstanding possible grants-in-aid from private and public sources – that funding comes from the taxpayers.
Every project has advocates and the strength of the advocacy – as opposed to the noise of the opposition – usually dictates the result. But – to repeat – that funding comes from taxes.
The one unifying concern of ALL of the Town’s residents is taxes. Just consider the challenge of developing a budget where expenses increase every year – and then add proposals that are likely to impact the budget of every single resident.
Similarly, consider the positive impact of proposals that actually support the tax base to a degree – or even add to it.
Each of two major current proposals seem to have divided the community:
Commercial development of the West Side Commons
Affordable housing at the Berkley-Peckham and Oliphant Schools
From my perspective, the major objections appear to be related to resistance to change. No one likes change. Add the complicating factors of potentially increased traffic as well as insufficient available parking, and opposition is inevitable.
I am not minimizing these issues. No one likes to have their normal activities complicated. However, sometimes considering the potential result of NO change makes the options a little clearer.
To repeat: the one unifying concern of all the Town’s residents is taxes. Balancing tax concerns with the resistance to change may influence the result.
Consider the following:
- Leaving the Commons “as is” with no active improvement would mean the existence of two empty and deteriorating buildings (Kennedy School and the Library) or – in the event that they were demolished – would leave an open area requiring the expenditure of tax funds for maintenance.
Some people might consider this an attractive option at minimal expense.
Others might understand that commercial development of the property – not to mention providing additional affordable housing – would contribute tax revenue and help to minimize future tax increases.
- Leaving the Berkley-Peckham and Oliphant Schools “as is” would also mean preserving the existence of 2 decaying structures – each containing multiple vacant spaces – while requiring substantial maintenance of the whole buildings to ensure usefulness and safety.
Others might recognize the benefits of increasing affordable housing for the Town’s senior population while, at the same time, gaining additional state funding for repurposing the schools, reducing the need for additional tax increases.
So – for me – the choice between options is a no-brainer: The discomfort associated with change OR larger future tax increases AND less state funding
But I’m only one person. The choice is yours.
Barbara A. VonVillas, Middletown Town Councilor
