The Buck Stops Here

Several people have written to express their dismay over the appointment of yet another committee to study the Venuti property. Like Margaret Tobelman, I recall that acquisition of this property was one of the first issues I encountered when I moved to Killingworth a dozen years ago. So I do understand the frustration. But I proposed the formation of this committee, and I’d like to explain my thinking.

I would love to see the town acquire this beautiful piece of land. It could serve several purposes that townspeople put high on their list of priorities, including the protection of open space and the creation of housing for seniors. Funds may be available from outside sources that could help defray the cost to taxpayers. In the long run, purchasing the property could well work to Killingworth’s economic benefit.

I am skeptical, however, that the townspeople will support purchase of this land for $8.5 million at this moment of economic crisis, and with no plan in place for its use. Nor do I believe that there is extreme urgency to the decision. Real estate development is almost at a standstill; the demand is just not there. And, in fact, the Board of Finance tells us that the bonding climate is likely to be much better in six months than it is now.

Establishing the Venuti Property Planning Subcommittee is a way to stop the buck at town hall. I believe we need to make the strongest case for purchasing the property, not the quickest one. We can finally take the time to do this right.

Catherine Iino
Selectwoman