Opinion: Vote YES For Camp Sewataro, Smart Investment For Sudbury

The following was submitted as a letter to the editor. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, email samantha.mercado@patch.com

I will be voting YES to acquire Camp Sewataro land, and continue camp operation as a revenue-generating town enterprise in 2020 and beyond.

The Town has entered into an agreement with Sewataro's owners, who are retiring after summer 2019, to purchase the beautiful 44 acre land in North Sudbury, contingent on voter approval at May Town Meeting and at the polls on June 4.

Purchasing Sewataro is a smart investment for Sudbury, which can pay for itself, AND pay for other capital needs. Arguments FOR:
- Prevent influx of 60+ new students from 31 large new homes which will otherwise be developed. Avoid school budget and capacity impact, while schools have not yet absorbed expected 99 new students from Quarry North apartments.
- Gain a proven turnkey Enterprise capable of producing over $1M profit each summer. Profits can cover the cost of the debt, and be a new source of revenue to pay for other town expenses.
- Continue a beloved summer day camp option which sells out spots for 600 kids (including 275 from Sudbury) each week, and provides summer jobs for many Sudbury teens.
- Open up new outdoor recreational opportunities to entire town, including: town beach/swimming pond, heated outdoor pools, and tennis courts.

Arguments against the purchase are short sighted.
"We can't address Fairbank Center needs if we purchase Sewataro." False. Town Manager can hire or contract key current Sewataro staff who know how to operate the camp and realize significant revenue for the town. Sewataro and Fairbank are not mutually exclusive.

"We don't have enough time to decide." False. Sewataro (aka "Liberty Ledge") has been a priority parcel on Town's 2009 Open Space Plan. The Taylors advised the Town of plans to sell well in advance, and Town performed due diligence including professional appraisal in February and site visits by BOS. Voters are smart, financial statements are being provided to FinCom, information is at http://sudbury.ma.us/sewataro and www.sewataro.com.

Purchasing Sewataro and committing to running Camp Sewataro in 2020 is a smart investment for Sudbury. Vote YES on May 6 and June 4.

Bill Schineller
Jarman Road
(I was elected Selectman but have not yet taken office. My views are my own.)