By the time this letter is received, the town vote on whether to dedicate the entire proceeds of the one-percent sales tax to the Dover Economic Development Committee (DEDC) or split it between the DEDC and reducing town taxes will have been decided. If the resolution proposed passes, I am concerned the community will continue to defer investment needed to allow the Dover economy to recover.
Nearly 15 years ago, as part of what was known as Vision 2000, members of the community identified certain projects to be pursued that would benefit the entire community. While the results were mixed, the MOOver system was born out of that discussion. This is a system that has mutually benefited visitors, primarily through the condominium routes that pre-existed the MOOver system, and residents, primarily through the Route 100 route and bus routes to Brattleboro/Bennington. Fortunately, the MOOver has not been dependent upon local funding for survival. Whether that continues or not remains to be seen.
Still not addressed is the absolute need to improve the telecommunications infrastructure. Included in this are necessary improvements to cable, cell service and Internet access. The people the economy of the valley depend upon, second-home owners, vacationers, and business travelers all require and depend upon reliable cell/Internet access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for their own livelihoods.
Without having reliable systems to service these needs from all areas of the valley, Dover is at a competitive disadvantage to areas like Ludlow, Killington, and Stowe. This needs to become a priority and presents great opportunity for the DEDC. It does, however, require significant capital investment. I hope the funds generated through the one-percent tax will be considered for such efforts.
Sincerely,
Ray Overton
Westhampton, NY
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