Dear Killingworth Residents,

I recently attended the Town Meeting in Killingworth to hear people's views and express my support for the purchase of the 143-acre Wettish property. It was heartening to hear "recreation people" talk about the need for open space and "open space people" talk about the need for playing fields. This piece of land truly fits the bill as a venue for both.

It is evident that some have been disappointed with the outcome of previous attempts to secure land for our needs. However, let's look to the present. A large piece of land is for sale. If we buy it, there is much we can to do meet our obligations to preserve the rural character of our town. If we buy it, we can meet our recreation needs. If ever there was the landscape to put down playing fields - unencumbered by ledge, hills or wetlands, this is it! These were problems we faced with other parcels in the past. These problems do not exist on the Wettish parcel.

If we don't buy it, there will be a subdivision in its place. A LOT of houses will fit onto this prime land. We will have to keep shopping through our increasingly diminished resources of land to satisfy our need for fields and our obligation to take control of the development of our town.

As for the plan for this piece, there have been many discussions. Having sat in on them, I can assure you that there is much agreement between the many representatives of the different factions. There is no question that ballfields will go where fields already exist. There is no question that the open space will connect with existing open space (15,600 acres of state forest). The question of how many fields and where that open space begins will ultimately be up to you! You will have the opportunity to express your views and concerns at other meetings. Nothing will happen without the Voters' approval.

But we have to buy the land first. If we don't buy it, we will have no say in how the land will be used.

I think we're due for a win-win outcome. Let's make it happen.

Please vote to purchase the Wettish piece on February 15 at the KES All Purpose Room.

Sincerely,

John Himmelman
President
Killingworth Land Conservation Trust