Letter: Preserve open space for China community

MORNING SENTINEL • May 30, 2021

Article 25 on China’s June ballot asks voters whether they would like to sell a 40-acre piece of town-owned property (tax map 63, lot 008). I propose that we keep the land and create a park with trails and a picnic area. Keeping the property has environmental benefits. Hunter Brook, which forms the eastern boundary of the property, flows into China Lake. Vegetated and unpaved areas filter stormwater runoff effectively and efficiently. Protecting this property from development, also helps to protect the water quality in the lake. Costs for creating and maintaining the park would come from TIF District funds and Maine grants. If we vote to sell this wooded area, we will lose an opportunity to provide future generations with a beautiful and useful community asset. ~ Janet Preston, China Village