To the Residents of Pownal, VT,

A couple weeks ago a Pownal resident approached the Select Board with a proposal to have additional town roads opened up as ATV trails. The Select Board asked him to formalize his proposal, get necessary permission to cross any State highways and come back to them at a future date.

I have been told the formal proposal will be included on the Agenda for next Thursday night, July 18, 2019. I am awaiting confirmation and a copy of the Agenda. The resident has asked that a larger meeting location other than the Town Office be found which might indicate a large contingency may be joining him in the presentation.

I am asking all townspeople to come to the meeting to hear the proposal for themselves and to make an informed decision on this issue. I have attached a copy of the initial list of preliminary roads for you to get a sense as to how importance it is for everyone to get involved and make your own feelings known as to whether you want additional roads open for ATV travel.

I am hoping the Select Board will take the proposal under advisement and will schedule public hearings in order for each towns-person to have a chance to voice their opinions and concerns regarding this issue. Your participation in this process is very important for the future of Pownal.

This notification is not to voice any opinion on the proposal. My opinion will follow at a later date. I am asking you to attend the meeting and hear for yourself what is being proposed. I cannot say whether any major discussion will occur at this meeting but I do ask the Select Board, if they feel the proposal should move forward, they will allow for civil discussion to take place at public hearings over time before a final decision is made. An issue like this must be made by a town-wide vote.

Along with attending this meeting I am asking for you to send letters to the Select Board, Front Porch Forum and the Bennington Banner stating your opinion on this important issue.

Sincerely,

James Kocsis
Pownal, VT