Citizens for Wolfeboro Public Statement - March 2023
- Citizens For Wolfeboro
- Mar 21, 2023
- 2 min read
March 21, 2023
In early February 2023, a group of eight citizens got together to voice concerns about the lack of clarity on Warrant Articles #2-10 as proposed by the Wolfeboro Planning Board. In the days that followed, the group swelled to over 50 people and Citizens for Wolfeboro (CFW) was formed. Of immediate concern was creating awareness on how the hard-to-understand articles would potentially impact the town of Wolfeboro. The result was that members of the community shared communications, mailed postcards, posted signs, passed out flyers, and turned out the vote, many voting by absentee ballot, during a huge snowstorm. The proposed Warrant Articles were defeated by an historic 75% “no” vote.
CFW is a non-partisan, inclusive group of engaged citizens of different ages and backgrounds. We want thoughtful and accountable land use planning, development, and zoning laws that adhere to the Master Plan. Further, we seek to ensure transparency and accountability of local governance so citizens feel confident their voices are heard and that ultimately, we can make better informed decisions at the polls.
It is now up to the Wolfeboro Planning Board to address the issues and concerns that town citizens vocalized in numerous public meetings, emails, and letters to the editor. This includes, but is not limited to, the analysis by the Planning Board of the:
· results of the Town Water and Sewer study
· Lakes Region Planning Commission’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment and all data relevant to Wolfeboro · impact on density of phased building for already approved plans in areas like Harriman Hill
· number and location of short-term rentals (STR) in Wolfeboro · impact of all such data gathered on overall density.
The CFW looks forward to collaborating with the Planning Board to address each Warrant Article individually and to clearly communicate to town citizens the impact of future proposed changes so that transparency is achieved. We’ll continue to follow key issues, attend public meetings, and ask clarifying questions.
Good governance and transparency strengthen the bonds of community and are the essence of democracy. We welcome your comments and participation. To learn more about CFW, please go to www.citizensforwolfeboro.org.
Citizens for Wolfeboro
