David
02-04-2008, 05:41 PM
More smokestacks?
Editor:
No amount of tax revenue can justify the short-sighted destruction of our natural spaces. I am referring to the players who want to construct another power plant within earshot of a partially completed one, and, to make matters worse, they want to build it on pristine land.
The existing railroad tracks effectually divide a developed area to the east and a relatively pristine area to the west. To the west lie Beaver Pond, “Little Silver Lake,” various wetlands, and approximately 360 acres of Meriden-owned land (NRG). Approximately 50 acres that directly abut the proposed site have been set aside as recreational lands with permanent deed restrictions. This requires that the land be kept in a natural state.
The proposed site compliments this parcel by supporting a large array of wetlands and wildlife. One only needs to walk there once to realize that it’s worth a million dollars to leave it alone. The state (along with other municipalities) embraces the opportunity to preserve such parcels which abut other open space lands in an attempt to create larger “greenways” and wildlife corridors.
The ideal solution would be for Arena Capital to broker a deal with NRG to utilize the existing unfinished power plant on Cathole Mountain. Next step would be to consider other developed/industrialized areas that would be conducive to this type of development.
To develop this parcel would not only be detrimental to the abutting pond and wetlands, but would essentially fragment the now-existing wildlife/greenway corridor and would create a negative aesthetic impact.
One of the draws of parks and open space areas is their naturalness. To enjoy the Beaver Lake recreation area would mean to enjoy looking at an industrialized complex complete with smokestack(s) and a tangle of power lines.
BOB PAGINI, MERIDEN
Editor:
No amount of tax revenue can justify the short-sighted destruction of our natural spaces. I am referring to the players who want to construct another power plant within earshot of a partially completed one, and, to make matters worse, they want to build it on pristine land.
The existing railroad tracks effectually divide a developed area to the east and a relatively pristine area to the west. To the west lie Beaver Pond, “Little Silver Lake,” various wetlands, and approximately 360 acres of Meriden-owned land (NRG). Approximately 50 acres that directly abut the proposed site have been set aside as recreational lands with permanent deed restrictions. This requires that the land be kept in a natural state.
The proposed site compliments this parcel by supporting a large array of wetlands and wildlife. One only needs to walk there once to realize that it’s worth a million dollars to leave it alone. The state (along with other municipalities) embraces the opportunity to preserve such parcels which abut other open space lands in an attempt to create larger “greenways” and wildlife corridors.
The ideal solution would be for Arena Capital to broker a deal with NRG to utilize the existing unfinished power plant on Cathole Mountain. Next step would be to consider other developed/industrialized areas that would be conducive to this type of development.
To develop this parcel would not only be detrimental to the abutting pond and wetlands, but would essentially fragment the now-existing wildlife/greenway corridor and would create a negative aesthetic impact.
One of the draws of parks and open space areas is their naturalness. To enjoy the Beaver Lake recreation area would mean to enjoy looking at an industrialized complex complete with smokestack(s) and a tangle of power lines.
BOB PAGINI, MERIDEN