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Togus Pond resident takes issue with change in the level of road maintenance

April 12, 2007 - My wife and I built a cottage on Togus Pond in 1966. After I retired in 1983, we had a converted to a year-round home, being aware then that city services were sparse there as compared to similar in town properties.

Last year, we learned lake property would be assessed at a much higher value than its equal in town. We also learned our only city service of consequence, road maintenance, would be discontinued. Plowing and sanding would continue, provided we and our neighbors formed an association, gave easements to the city and paid for all other roadwork.

We did all that, believing city officials are acting in good faith. Were they?

We've just seen the year's worst storm, which dumped 14 inches of heavy wet snow on us. But our road was not plowed. Inquiries produced Alice in Wonderland answers: "the city doesn't do spring maintenance on private roads." -- "the road is too dangerous."

At age 82, with four episodes of coronary artery bypass and aortic aneurysm surgery behind me, it is not a good feeling to be snowbound and beyond reach of emergency vehicles.

We read of new tax breaks being given to developers with Board of Trade connections, and on Fridays saw a front-page photo of a grinning Bill Bridgeo announcing an additional 3% tax increase.

When will Christmas come for those who pay the bill?

Chuck Carpenter
Augustine

This letter appeared in its original form in the Kennebec Journal April 12, 2007.


Lakes: Togus Pond
Regions: Belgrade


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