Concord Monitor 12/15/2014
An open letter to Department of Revenue and Economic Development Commissioner Jeffrey Rose:
I write to express my opposition to the proposed expansion/development of the western slope of Mount Sunapee State Park by current leaseholders, CNL of Orlando, Fla., and any/all sub-leaseholders.
I urge that you insist upon further public hearings at which full details of this proposition can be explored and reported on by third-party experts in various fields.
New Hampshire state parks belong to the people of New Hampshire. The leaseholders’ use of this land for private development seems in conflict with the law. My understanding is that lease options become open for discussion in 2018. What will happen to this land if/when the leaseholders decide not to extend the lease signed in 1998? Who then will be responsible for the state-held land that is attached to a corporate interest? What are the legal responsibilities surrounding chair-lifts, trails, snow-making and other equipment, utilities and rights-of-way? What precedent will this marriage of public land for private profit set when considering the future of other public parks across the state? These are but a few of my concerns.
I count on the Department of Resources and Economic Development, and you, Commissioner Rose, as guardians of Parks and Recreation in New Hampshire, to protect my state parks.
I am a steward of the natural wonders of my state, working to preserve them for myself, my family and for future generations. I cannot do this without your help.
LISA M. BOZOGAN