The structure of benefits and institutions that make up Concord today has been, in large part, due to the work and sacrifice of residents of Concord who are now seniors. The Harvey Wheeler center and West Concord Depot becoming a commuter rail station are two of many examples of citizen driven efforts. In addition, it was through the alarms sent by citizens that the danger of Nuclear Metals waste sites became a public issue. There are many other examples, too numerous to count.
These efforts, having been achieved many years ago, were the results of those who would now be considered senior citizens. As such, many , if not most, of these people are now retired and on fixed incomes. The progressive increase in property taxes has driven out a number of these talented, and previously valued, citizens of the town.
I recognize that any given project in Concord may benefit only a portion of residents. This, however, is the obligation of citizens of a community; to be willing to fund projects that may not directly affect all those who have contributed to the project. Requesting additional funding for a project that would be redundant to the needs of the town is especially unfair to those on fixed incomes, such as many senior citizens. A “community wing” as part of the new middle school has been estimated to add $1500 of new property taxes. For someone paying $10,000/year in taxes, this represents a 15 percent increase. A senior citizen on fixed income will then be faced with either moving out of town or giving up a necessity of living. This is an unfair burden to those who have given so much to this town.
Norman Weinberg MD
