Submitted by Mark Fichtelm Byram
Fred Camillo, in his 4/17 weekly letter, accuses his opponents of engaging in both misinformation and disinformation, but it is he that does so, some of it by omission.
In urging people to write to the RTM supporting the flip plan, he omits stating its “rough order of magnitude” $41 million cost, a figure that has amazed the several experienced people in the rink-building business I have talked to.
He omits to say that many costs, such as new roads, the cost of covering Morlot with 11,500 cubic feet of soil, regrading the park and putting in retaining walls, etc. are not included in the $41 number, which therefore is likely to go higher.
He omits to say that most of those who have attended local or committee meetings, or who have been urged to send emails to the RTM, have asked only for a new rink, not a complete makeover of the ballfields or of Morlot Park.
He omits that major studies on traffic, pedestrian safety, parking impact on the surrounding neighborhood, building height impact on neighbors, and structural engineering validation, that should have been done, have not been.
He omits to say that trying to get approval of both the architectural and construction funding at the same time is out of the norm on a project with this cost, which raises questions about “why the rush?” to violate town norms.
His only example of disinformation is his implication that opponents of the flip plan have said he and other flip proponents have supported using Arch Street for a new permanent rink. That is disinformation, and he knows it.
He will not listen to any alternative that might use Arch Street for a temporary rink while building a new DHSR in place, which could result in no lost ice time and would likely cost only about $20 million, not $40-$60 million under the flip plan.