To The Telegram:
Over the last eight years, we have owned and operated a bar and restaurant in Wascott. During this time, we have tried to provide good service and a friendly atmosphere to our customers. In addition to this, we have tried to give back to our community by holding fund raisers for our local fire department and hospice, caring for cancer patients. These efforts have raised thousands of dollars for these causes. We have also contributed to other's fundraisers, which would benefit individuals of our community. Our belief is to be a good and contributing member of our community.
Recently, we became aware of a Town of Wascott road project, which would require the need for 15,000 to 20,000 yards of fill to complete. Apparently, one of our town residents who has property close to the project has agreed to sell to the town the fill. He is currently in the process of obtaining a quarry permit from the county. If this quarry permit is granted and the pit is established, it will be an aesthetic eyesore on our town for years to come since it lies abutting Highway T just west of the Stop A Sec corner store.
Liz and I own the property abutting the land where the quarry is being proposed. From our property, Hoffman, the contractor for the new bridge on Highway T near Pogo's, excavated thousands of yards of fill from our land to complete the project.
When we became aware of this project, in the interest of saving the town and the taxpayers money, we have offered to give the town all the fill they need free, no strings attached, except for clean-up. Comments we received from the town board members were that our soil is contaminated, and it would cost too much to haul the soil the added distance. With regards to the soil being contaminated, both the county and the state approved the soil as fill for the county Highway T project. As far as the added hauling distance, it would be only a couple hundred yards farther.
ADVERTISEMENT
Apparently, some kind agreement has been made between the town board and the person developing the quarry that preempts our ability to help out our community by offering the fill for free. What a shame. We elected our town board members to look out for our best interests, but their vision seems to have gotten a little foggy.
-- Henry and Liz Podgorak,
Gordon
