You say the issue is not that our taxes will go up, but that we will pay increased taxes for 5 years? We won't be taxed for more than the budget on which we vote. The mil rate will adjust.
qstorm: I don't believe EverWonder was ever looking to get anything free from the town. They needed a larger space in a better location, and would have paid millions to remediate & renovate that building. Why would they also have to pay the town rent? And why wouldn't they get the ground around the building? It's a children's museum for God's sake! What do you have against bringing joy & educational play to our community?
I think this new building is the perfect opportunity for EverWonder to grow and thrive and look forward to seeing their success. Thankfully they found somewhere in Newtown that can accommodate their needs perfectly.
I don't understand the concern...the museum has been open for years on Pecks Lane and the size of the building can easily hold them. 60,000 visitors a year is less than 200 people per day, of which at least 1/2 are children. Plus spread out over the course of the day, it's only 15-16 cars per hour during their daytime business hours. Plus EverWonder is known for working to improve our community and unlikely to place any more harm on the environment than those already driving by daily. I think the author hit the nail on the head & EverWonder has found the absolute best place for their home, and thankfully that's in Newtown where our business can thrive from their success!