Vernon officials must determine the true costs and benefits of Baldwin property project

To the Editor:

I have reached out again to our mayor and town council with concerns and questions about the proposed purchase of what’s known as the Baldwin property. I have not received a response.

I am deeply concerned that the purchase of the Baldwin property and subsequent trail and pump track project will cost our town quite a bit with little, or maybe no, return. Although I have asked, I have not seen a comprehensive cost analysis of this project. In addition, I strongly disagree with the comments made by Ms. Cilli in a recent council meeting that the council has not sought bids or done any cost analysis because doing so would show potential bidders our budget. A cost analysis is not a budget.

Requesting bids, through an advertised RFP, for a potential project is a standard process. This would allow the council and the public to see the true costs of the project once those estimates are submitted from potential contractors, and reviewed at a public meeting, as per the law. Then, after those costs are reviewed the council can determine if those costs align with the town goals and if potential benefits outweigh the cost.

Obviously, the council cannot propose a budget until it receives the RFPs. When a project of this size is being considered by a governing body due diligence must be conducted. Engineering plans, construction plans maintenance costs, traffic implications and insurance costs all must be gathered so the council can weigh those against the potential benefit of the project. Then, in order to ascertain if this project will truly benefit Vernon and our businesses, financial analysis must be done. This would include a demographic study or survey to determine the true numbers of visitors these attractions would draw and their spending habits.

We can’t just assume visitors will flock to these attractions and spend money while visiting free amenities. As an example, one of the most famous trails on the east coast goes through our town. Due to social media, the Appalachian Trail has seen a huge increase in visitors in recent years. Has this council surveyed our local businesses to see what impact that has had on them? Returning to my financial analysis comments, to demonstrate this process we need only look at companies like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. I’ve seen many Vernon residents comment that these businesses would be great additions to our town. I don’t disagree! So, why haven’t they come? Because, our demographics don’t support it. The potential income is not enough weighed against the expense of opening a location in our town.

These are for-profit businesses and are beholden to their stockholders and employees. Smart expansion and management of their finances is imperative if they wish to continue to grow and be successful. Sadly, Vernon doesn’t support their goals. Now, why would our governing body move forward with such a large and costly plan without doing the same due diligence. Aren’t our elected officials beholden to the taxpayers and the best financial interests of our community?

Yes, there will be costs to get plans for this project and to do a demographic study. However, I believe it’s much more fiscally responsible to spend, let’s say $25,000, and find out the plan is not viable then to spend $400,000, burden our taxpayers with yearly maintenance costs only to find out the plan did not provide the economic growth you projected.

I am once again asking this council and mayor to perform your due diligence and gather the information needed to determine the true costs and benefits of this project. Then share that information with the community. If in fact this plan does prove to have positive financial implications for our town, I’ll be it’s biggest advocate.

Natalie Buccieri

Sussex