LETTER: Question 1 Is 'Irresponsible'

To The Editor:

It is irresponsible to impose the burden of financing an athletic complex on our citizens during these economic times. Let's finish building the Tewksbury High School before proceeding with further endeavors. The residents of Tewksbury have been extremely supportive of many capital improvement projects over the years but when is enough, enough?

A recent Lowell Sun article points out that the Tewksbury Real Estate Tax rate for the average homeowner has increased 22% since 2008, this combined with the huge increases in the water and sewer rates has left many residents struggling. Perhaps some have not considered that these increased levies have a direct negative impact on their real estate values, as it is more difficult to attract buyers when taxes are escalating and surrounding towns appear to be more fiscally responsible.

If the supporters of the 1.95 million dollar sports complex want to make contributions to this project they should do so, and have consideration for those who prefer not to. There are other avenues to financing this project that perhaps they should explore.

Many parents think it’s important to provide these types of amenities for their sons and daughters, however perhaps it’s time to take a longer term view and ask ourselves - are we going to leave the town of Tewksbury in a position where the next generation will be able to afford to raise their families should they desire to do so? To “Finish Strong” perhaps this should be our goal!

William Dion