The economic vision rests on the clarity and cooperation of those engaged in the process.Most of the voting public has expressed their concern for Berlin`s future and showed that by electing almost all new officials to the Berlin City Council.Including a new Mayor.In my opinion,most have wanted lower tax rates,a larger business tax base,better transportation for goods and services(that also includes high speed internet access),more efficient schools and the possibility of entertaining tourist dollars.Berlin has been well known for “the City that trees Built”, refering to the paper industry which will no longer be viable to encourage.A new direction can be achieved.In my opinion,alternative energy is the key to Berlin`s economic base.For example,Ethenal made from wood fibers,wood pellets for home heating,wind energy production,Geo-thermo power production,wood to energy production.Another Industry, not mentioned to often, is the education Industry,yes at times this avenue has been productive for many City`s and towns.Improving educational opportunities can only improve the economic picture.
Lack of education and/or an unwillingness to accept factual data has also lead to a feeling of inevitability when it comes to the Burgess mill site and Berlin in general.
People really believe that because the boiler is there and that it is private property, that there is nothing they can do, it is a waste of time to try, the sale to Laidlaw will take place, and the laws in place that were made to protect money and time spent by energy companies following process, will be changed.
Lack of education keeps the north country from seeing the forest through the trees. We continue to make decisions based on knee jerk reactions without getting educated first. We even have started visioning sessions to form a master plan without concentrating on educating our public ahead of time. We are rushing to the finish line in hopes of finishing first without any training to do so.
One of the primary reasons our North Country attracts tourists is due to the beauty of our forests and yet our mountains have been shaved by clear cutting, there is grave concern over local supply of biomass grade quality wood, and we’re not even seeing the results of any study and we’re allowing these companies to further cut into the very reason people with money come here? Shouldn’t the study that is currently in the works be released first on our wood base, and then we make a decision on planning as to whether one, two or no biomass companies are given the green light? These companies will not be able to affordably import their wood because of the ever increasing cost of transportation. I’ve never come across as a tree hugger before, but with all that’s happening with lack of planning and information on this subject, we need to pull in the reigns as a region, knowing first what supply we have to balance tourism and industry over the long haul. We can’t afford to make a mistake within either category
I lived in Berlin most of my life. I moved away over 19 years ago and visit every year. Berlin will always be my home. I would like Berlin to succeed in this big decision that must be made very carefully.
A golf course is a good idea but would not produce enough jobs for the people of Berlin.
Please think of the following:
1. How many jobs could be created on this site
2. If you build it will they come.
3. How much revenue will be created for the city
4. Will this be a burden to the community after sometime ( crime ect…..)
And on and on……..
A mixed use development sounds pretty good, but with no housing above ( there are enough apartment buildings and home in the city that need some TLC)
Also a couple of hotels would create jobs and bring people to Berlin who in turn will spend in Berlin.
Please don’t forget if the people in Berlin cannot survive in Berlin they will move away and the ever lurking ghost town from bad decisions will linger!
The economic vision rests on the clarity and cooperation of those engaged in the process.Most of the voting public has expressed their concern for Berlin`s future and showed that by electing almost all new officials to the Berlin City Council.Including a new Mayor.In my opinion,most have wanted lower tax rates,a larger business tax base,better transportation for goods and services(that also includes high speed internet access),more efficient schools and the possibility of entertaining tourist dollars.Berlin has been well known for “the City that trees Built”, refering to the paper industry which will no longer be viable to encourage.A new direction can be achieved.In my opinion,alternative energy is the key to Berlin`s economic base.For example,Ethenal made from wood fibers,wood pellets for home heating,wind energy production,Geo-thermo power production,wood to energy production.Another Industry, not mentioned to often, is the education Industry,yes at times this avenue has been productive for many City`s and towns.Improving educational opportunities can only improve the economic picture.
Lack of education and/or an unwillingness to accept factual data has also lead to a feeling of inevitability when it comes to the Burgess mill site and Berlin in general.
People really believe that because the boiler is there and that it is private property, that there is nothing they can do, it is a waste of time to try, the sale to Laidlaw will take place, and the laws in place that were made to protect money and time spent by energy companies following process, will be changed.
Lack of education keeps the north country from seeing the forest through the trees. We continue to make decisions based on knee jerk reactions without getting educated first. We even have started visioning sessions to form a master plan without concentrating on educating our public ahead of time. We are rushing to the finish line in hopes of finishing first without any training to do so.
One of the primary reasons our North Country attracts tourists is due to the beauty of our forests and yet our mountains have been shaved by clear cutting, there is grave concern over local supply of biomass grade quality wood, and we’re not even seeing the results of any study and we’re allowing these companies to further cut into the very reason people with money come here? Shouldn’t the study that is currently in the works be released first on our wood base, and then we make a decision on planning as to whether one, two or no biomass companies are given the green light? These companies will not be able to affordably import their wood because of the ever increasing cost of transportation. I’ve never come across as a tree hugger before, but with all that’s happening with lack of planning and information on this subject, we need to pull in the reigns as a region, knowing first what supply we have to balance tourism and industry over the long haul. We can’t afford to make a mistake within either category
I lived in Berlin most of my life. I moved away over 19 years ago and visit every year. Berlin will always be my home. I would like Berlin to succeed in this big decision that must be made very carefully.
A golf course is a good idea but would not produce enough jobs for the people of Berlin.
Please think of the following:
1. How many jobs could be created on this site
2. If you build it will they come.
3. How much revenue will be created for the city
4. Will this be a burden to the community after sometime ( crime ect…..)
And on and on……..
A mixed use development sounds pretty good, but with no housing above ( there are enough apartment buildings and home in the city that need some TLC)
Also a couple of hotels would create jobs and bring people to Berlin who in turn will spend in Berlin.
Please don’t forget if the people in Berlin cannot survive in Berlin they will move away and the ever lurking ghost town from bad decisions will linger!