We had the public hearing for the scenic by-way on Monday night, and the Chief stood alone against it. His reasons; potential increases in traffic, and a sense that this is not what people want.
Is that true, Chief? Or is it just not what YOU want? Lets be brutally honest here... The only reason the chief is standing against this is because Carol Grant spear-headed the application to get this honor for Atkinson! And she should be commended for her efforts. Not a likely outcome from THIS board. As usual the chief mixed facts from vaeious topics to weave a plausible complaint built on factual inaccuracies. Inaccuracies which Ms. Killam, Chairwoman of the planning board was kind enough to refute.
The only restriction on scenic by-ways is no billboards! That specifically does not include signs, as the chief tried to tell us it did. He got that fromanother totally different RSA dealing with Scenic roads, which has nothing to do with this topic, as he would have found out if he actually did the research he claimed to. There are three scenic by-ways in close proximity to us, as stated by Mr. Grant, Londonderry, Manchester, and Exeter. In each of the three traffic has increased since receiving their scenic designation, 4% LESS than traffic has increased generally statewide! In other words if there is a correlation the scenic designation has REDUCED traffic for these roads!
This is an honor for the town of Atkinson, don't let one man's petty, vindictive, childishness, deprive the entire town of recognition of our unique beauty.
Chief, it is time to pick up your marbles and go home, you have had your 15 minutes.
Could this be the time when the Selectmen have the courage/intelligence/gonads to stand up against the Chief?
ReplyDeleteHere is a quote from the Eagle Tribune:
ReplyDelete"Consentino said he fears the scenic byway status will increase traffic and prevent people from making changes to their homes to the point of stopping them from trimming trees in their yards.
'Why would you want to let Big Brother come in and put restrictions on what you can and can't do?' he asked."
That is the exact quote in the newspaper.
I am so glad our chief is worried about my trees and shrubs and me making changes to my home. Now that is some good police work right there.
I ask you: Who is the real "Big Brother" here?
TRAFFIC? DEAL WITH IT. THAT'S YOUR JOB SO QUIT WHINING ABOUT IT.
A scenic byway has a better chance of increasing property values. Being on a scenic byway is a nice marketing line to sell a home. In the current housing market, I believe it would be a plus.
Chief isn't worried about your shrubs, or about traffic, He is determined that Carol Grant must be stopped in whatever she attempts, even if the town suffers because of it.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't think Phil is vindictive, just watch the tapes of the meetings where Acciard, or Grant, Or Kaye, Or others criticize his actions.
don't believe me, let his performance speak for itself.
And you know what else? A scenic vista designation doesn't cost a dime.
ReplyDeleteHey Selectmen, you turned down the "free" road volunteers were set to create behind Atkinson Academy. Eventually, it's going to cost the town what - $138,000?
We in Atkinson like free stuff? We also like designations which would boost our prestigeous image, because we're all snobbish in a way....even you guys.
I think this is just another case of the chief’s impaired judgment. Maybe the selectman should look at his decisions of late and review his qualifications to be police chief. This is not the first time he has jumped to screwy conclusions and it would be a good time to have a police chief emeritus.
ReplyDeleteThe "chief" has been an embarrassment to this town long enough! Time to get rid of him.
ReplyDeleteAnon of July 13, 5:52 PM, you are so right! Regarding the placement of the Vietnam Honor Roll Panels, the Chief has publically stated, "Carol Grant will never win!", and it is entirely possible that he will work behind the scenes to make sure that she never does. Carol being the Chairman and chief fundraiser of the Vietnam Honor Roll Committee.
ReplyDelete