This letter first appeared in the December 30th print edition of the Vermont Standard.
To the Editor:
The Norman Williams Public Library Board of Trustees recently had the opportunity to hear a presentation by the Sustainable Woodstock East End Development Action Group on the proposed Community Riverfront Park, to be located on the Village owned property in the East End currently known as “the jungle,” and to review its conceptual plan. The proposal and plan earned the board’s unanimous and heartfelt endorsement.
The East End entrance to our National Historic Registry Village has, over the years, been in decline and become an eyesore to all those who enter from that direction – visitors and residents alike. No longer a center of commercial activity as it was in years past the entire area, including the privately owned parcels, has fallen into disrepair. They also noted in their presentation, that this Village land provides “the only public access to the Ottaquechee River,” and that this prime waterfront land is currently being used as a snow dump and equipment storage yard.
We believe, as they do, that the establishment of a Riverfront Park on the 3.2-acre Village owned parcel and the removal of the snow dump from the rivers edge will pave the way to the redevelopment and revitalization of the entire East End area with the probability of providing a significant new of source of tax revenue, as well as job opportunities to the residents of Woodstock. In addition, the park will provide residents and visitors with access to our beautiful river, green space for relaxation, and a number of other amenities.
Again, we endorse the effort of the Sustainable Woodstock East End Development Action Group and look forward to following their inevitable progress with this worthy project.
Jack McGuire
President of the Board, Norman Williams Public Library
Woodstock
