Amherst is our town, an identity that is shaped by the cultural and physical resources, people and history. We have a civic duty to help preserve our fundamental values and assets that make this town such a great place to live. We have an opportunity on March 11th at the polls to make our community more innovative and competitive while at the same time retaining our core pillars.
All the controversy surrounding Cemetery Fields has blinded many in the community from the fact that we have an unprecedented opportunity to develop an area that will serve citizens of this town for years to come. The steps needed to retain the playing fields after September 1st are quite standard and not overwhelming like some might try to convey. The State AG Office has stated they would help facilitate the land sale transaction.
Fact is this town will lack the playing fields required to support this community if we lose Cemetery Fields. This is well documented by our Recreation Department and the Gale Study. On Amherst’s web site, there is a picture of a mom and 2 young girls on July 4th, with a caption that reads “a place for families”. If we give up such a rare opportunity, what statement as a community are we expressing? The wetland laws have changed recently, where 60% of the land is unsuitable for burial plots, which only 10 acres would be retained for the playing fields. Burial rates have shifted considerably downward causing much less demand. Our problem is not that we are lacking space for our deceased, but for ensuring we have enough recreational land including the only public playground in this town. These warrant articles are by the far the lowest tax impact to our town to facilitate our needs. The alternative would be over $1 million assuming we could find the available space.
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Picture it, a beautiful cemetery up on the hill overlooking the playing fields with trees all around it. It would even be more picturesque than what we have in the village with much greater separation. It would add to the aesthetic value of our community and become another great landmark for which this town is known for. Please help by voting yes on Warrant article 40 and 26 on March 11th in Amherst. We deserve this.
