Letters
January 12, 2012, page 5.....

Letters on Sidewalks (Robin Reid), Solar Farm (Rose Bernier) and Yourfarmstand (Suzy Hodgson)

Sidewalk folly

Do we really need sidewalks in Charlotte? If they are built, it will mark a character change in the village. Curb construction will also impede the movement of certain traffic that commonly uses the Greenbush/Ferry Road thoroughfare ­– agricultural, construction and large transport vehicles.
I urge people to always use caution along the roadways just as motorists and bikers are urged to look out for the other guy. Charlotte is a small town of fewer than 4,000, and I think we can do without the indulgence of a stretch of expensive sidewalk along Ferry Road. At one point in the process, the Selectboard proposed funding the sidewalk project from the Road Commissioner’s budget. Now the latest I’ve heard is that this item will appear on Australian ballot. At least this is a more supportable approach.
However, I fear that democracy is not at work in our small town. Two incumbent selectmen are running unopposed. There are differing viewpoints amongst citizens on subjects such as the afore-mentioned sidewalk, including expenditures on trails and decisions on other uses of public lands. Where are candidates with small-town values to oppose them? Anyone with an interest should take out a petition requiring 30 or more signatures that must be handed in, on or before Monday, January 30. I may choose to run if another candidate does not make her/himself known.
And please have a look at the Food Sovereignty petition I am sponsoring with help from Rural Vermont. This movement will bring about further dialog on our “broken” food system.
Viva freedom and good will in 2012. Any questions, please call 425-3739.

Robin Reid
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Selectboard response on solar is disappointing

As a resident of Charlotte I wanted you to know how disappointed I am in the decision you made as the Town of Charlotte Selectboard to endorse the petition for the Charlotte Solar Farm on Hinesburg Road. My disappointment stems from your lack of supporting the Town Plan on Rural District land use. This industrial project petition is for land that is zoned rural. There would be no benefit to the town and definitely not to the surrounding neighbors if this project were to move forward. Also, the overall sense at the three meetings (two Selectboard and one Planning Commission), regarding this petition for use of this land, appeared to be against the solar project for many different reasons. As elected board members to the town’s Selectboard, you should be representing the majority. Earlier this year, you voted down the use of the land on Thompson’s Point Road for a similar Charlotte solar farm. There were many reasons for turning this prior project down, and one reason I had heard about was that this type of project should be placed on industrial zoned land. The letter you wrote on December 27, 2011, to the Vermont Public Service Board was very disappointing and conflicted with the letter sent by the Charlotte Planning Commission on December 22, 2011. Their letter has one line I will quote, “…the Planning Commission believes it is important to note that under the Charlotte Land Use Regulations the project is not allowed within the zoning district in which it is proposed, the Rural District.”
 
Rose Bernier
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New Year’s resolution and local food

Yourfarmstand is looking to Charlotters to make a New Year’s resolution - a commitment to eating healthy and local food more regularly.  One way is by joining yourfarmstand.com as a “yourfarmstand supporter” for 2012. As you may know, the website has been running for over 18 months and has become an important outlet for Charlotte farmers and a diverse and useful source to buy local produce.
Thirty-five local farmers participate on the site and in any given week there are typically from 12 to 24 farmers offering their produce. Over the past year, these farmers and producers have supplied an amazing variety of local foods from organic meats to fresh greens, vegetables, berries and homemade cakes, soups, breads and jams throughout the seasons. To help ensure yourfarmstand can continue in future years and help farmers plan for the coming year, we are inviting Charlotters to become yourfarmstand supporters.
By becoming an annual supporter, you will receive: 5% off all of your purchases for the whole year; a limited edition pack of eight notecards featuring photos by Charlotte’s Meg Berlin; and a tasting evening with participating farmers to let you sample new recipes and foods.
Please consider the advantages to you - and us - of becoming a “supporter.”
Becoming a supporter means you would need to pay an annual fee of $50 this month. Your check should be made payable to Charlotte Homesteading Group and sent to 517 White Birch Lane, Charlotte, VT 05445.  Please write on check “for 2012 membership.” Of course, whatever your resolution, you will still be able to sign up to the site for no charge and order and enjoy local produce when you like.
Feel free to call me at 922-7503. Thanks!
Suzy Hodgson