Exit 4 A

The special meeting has some interesting debate over funding for the final EIS studies that are mandatory before going to the State and Feds for monies to make exit 4A a reality.

As a councilor who has been here for almost 6 years, I can tell you that I thought I knew most of the 4 A history and how it has become the single biggest political issue in Derry for well over 20 years and Just like the delaying of the widening of I93 because of legal stalling tactics, the projects end up costing us more in the long run. But lets stop for a second and really look at the issues and not the same old scare tactics the ADT group applies to grow their own ranks. I realize now that after a meeting with a Boston North representative and all the documents they possess and the town does not ( whole new story there) that I can say with certainty the following statements.

#1) The town has already obligated itself to spending $5 Million Dollars back in the late 80's by two prior Mayors and boards of selectman. There is documentation to prove this.

#2)Just because the total costs which is estimated to be around $30 million to complete the off ramp DOES NOT mean Derry will have to pay any more than its obligations. ( That is, IF no lawsuit comes up on the town for reneging on its obligation. Then in my opinion, we could be on the hook for a whole lot more.)
Lesson learned is Londonderry tries to back out and was sued and lost in a court of law which cost the Londonderry taxpayers an additional 1.5 Million in damages and told they must contribute their $5 million.

#3)The new exit will allow for Rte 102 downtown to escape heavy traffic burdens now and in the future. Projections for future growth in Derry and Auburn/Chester will effect the flow of traffic in our downtown.

#4) Southern NH Planning Commission has exit 4A as a high priority on its list. This is the regional planning board which is important to gaining fed dollars.

So, no matter how you slice it, whether or not you personally support or don't support 4A, it comes down to the fact that we are obligated to pay for this. We have not expended the 5 Million dollars and the last vote was for $600K which comes out of the total we owe to this project.

Lets stop kicking this political football around to scare townspeople and understand its not in our best interest to halt funding until we have reached our obligations because to do so would place a burden on the taxpayers of Derry.

And lastly, why some councilors were quick to criticize others for going to this meeting with Boston North is beyond me. 4 councilors went ( not 3 as the UL reported) Why would any councilor NOT want to go to see the full history, look at all the documents and make a judgement based on knowing the FULL story is beyond me.
Janet said in the meeting on the TIFF that she didn't do her homework when she voted for it and then voted against, why would she make the same mistake by not viewing the whole issue herself and follow Kevins lead by refusing to go? Only they can answer that question.

What are your thoughts on this subject?