I don’t believe that Yankee frugality is dead. > On Nov 28, 2022, at 1:15 PM, Kathy Madison <kathymadi...@mac.com> wrote: > > Here Here! > > Until now, I have not commented … but these thoughts below from Elaine and > Sara most clearly reflect my own. > > One additional factor that I”ve not heard expressed: aren’t we assuming a > stable national economy with no downturns in sight? Meanwhile, interest rates > are hitting both young home owners' mortgages and those on fixed incomes. To > max out spending now simply seems most unwise — for everyone. I don't > > Kathy Madison Feinberg > Concord Road > >> On Nov 28, 2022, at 10:18 AM, Sara Mattes <samat...@gmail.com >> <mailto:samat...@gmail.com>> wrote: >> >> Elaine, >> -Just re-read this…cheers, cheers! >> Thank you Seth and others for bringing up the community center. It’s >> something I have been discussing with other youngish seniors (LSRHS class of >> 1971)and have a number of concerns. Although I don’t yet use the senior >> senior, and do think one with an elevator is important, I’m not sure how >> many older adults in town use it regularly. In my cohort, there is a greater >> worry about high property taxes and whether we can afford to continue to pay >> them if a community center is built. >> >> “If you build it they will come” >> (https://www.lincolntown.org/documentcenter/view/35385 >> <https://www.lincolntown.org/documentcenter/view/35385>) Is this true, >> particularly with ongoing concerns about covid and availability of classes >> and meetings on Zoom? >> >> There are few offerings for adults through the Rec Department. Is that from >> lack of space or lack of interest? Most people I know go out of town for >> programs. >> >> I’m not happy with the design which appears to have a lot of wasted space in >> its “open concept”. With heating prices going up, how much will it cost to >> heat this big building? >> >> I also think the world has changed since 2017 when this community center was >> first discussed. I would rather the town spend its money on mixed income >> housing, for example, which it needs. And, Lincoln’s older homebound adults >> could stay in their homes if they had more services paid for by the town. >> This would be a good use of money for seniors. >> >> Lastly, if an expensive community center must be built, can we at the same >> time look at allowing more Lincoln homes to build accessory apartments and >> backyard cottages? This would help seniors pay their higher taxes, and stay >> in their large homes while benefiting non-high income folks looking for >> Lincoln housing. >> >> Elaine >> >> All your points and questions are valid, and the questions remained >> unanswered. >> I have repeatedly asked the COA to do some sort of (professional) survey to >> figure out what programs would attract you and your peers. >> The silence, in response, is deafening. >> They are not frothing coming with those who are actually attending what >> programs are offered. >> I go to an exercise class2X/week-I love it but there are never more than 5 >> of us there. >> All this is subsidized by our tax dollars and contributions of the Friends >> of the COA. >> The space in the basement of Bemis is completely unused-now we are told it >> is used by organizations that are simply using closets for storage, next to >> a boiler. >> I knwo because I am Pres. Of the Historical Society and am down there to >> collect things out of storage. >> And, numerous people for the Girl Scouts say they have never used that space! >> So, what are they basing needs and numbers on? >> >> This entire exercise is alarming-divisive and may cost many their ability to >> remain in town. >> We (over) build to serve a population that is forced/elects to move due to >> increasing taxes. >> >> And, there is the dodge and weave over operating budgets-new teachers >> contracts will require a significant increase due to cost of living. >> Town offices is going through a run-over and is hiring 2 to replace one. >> We have to hire to fill the volunteer position Jim Cunningham volunteered >> for-AV for every org and entity in town-tapes and recorded everything! >> COA says it will need an increase of 1.5 FTEs for the new building. >> >> We are now at the upper limit of our budgets, without an over-ride. >> To fund at level service, going forward, we will need an over-ride which >> will be a permanent tax increase. >> >> Why cannot we, at a minimum, hit a pause button to re-evaluate and consider >> some new ideas? >> The money they want to spend now is looking at only one dimension of a >> multi-dimensioned issue. >> >> Yikes! >> Sara >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------ >> Sara Mattes >> >> >> >> >> -- >> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org >> <mailto:Lincoln@lincolntalk.org>. >> Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/ >> <http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/>. >> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/ >> <https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/>. >> Change your subscription settings at >> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln >> <https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln>. >> >
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