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Public split: some hail community benefits while others worry about cost and process
Summary
Public comment at the informational meeting was divided: supporters cited volunteer-built tradition, school use and community benefits; opponents questioned necessity, taxes, and whether the town should accept a donor-driven project without wider input.
Public comment at the meeting showed a clear split. Several residents praised the pavilion concept as a community-building project and offered volunteer labor and grant-writing help. Caleb Scott said people often oppose change but that voluntary maintenance had worked for other projects: "We started with this is not a 2 room schoolhouse... This is the town changes," and he thanked Melody for bringing the idea forward. Jan France, a longtime resident, described the pavilion as an "enhancement to our school" and urged participation.
Opponents raised persistent concerns about taxes, long-term town obligations and whether the structure is necessary given existing town facilities. Michael Fowler urged the town to pause, saying the proposal felt "slapdash" and warned that donated projects still carry costs to taxpayers. Other residents suggested restoring the old creamery as an alternative or that the town should take more time to design a solution rather than accept a pre-built frame.
