GREENFIELD, MASS.-I really love Vermont! I often travel there to visit my wife's 99-year-old mother who lives down a dirt road. We like to visit Newfane, a beautiful and captivating New England small town. Fat Crow, Four Columns Inn, and the Newfane General Store give me hope that we can survive and enjoy each other's company in these times of environmental disrespect.
What disturbs me - and, I am sure, many other water lovers - is the pile of burned-out debris that runs along Smith Creek, a flowing beautiful creek trying to stay alive. The debris seems to be composed of a burned-out house, complete with a burned-out boat, and potentially all the toxic materials that compose a home.
Who owns this property? Why has it been allowed to exist on Smith Creek, on the main road leading to Newfane right on the waterway, for so many years?
For at least a dozen years I have said to myself, "The town will take care of this." But, alas, the pile of pollution continues to drastically affect this alive, flowing vein that struggles to survive!
Having coordinated the Green River/Franklin Rivers Cleanup in Greenfield, Massachusetts, for 22 years, I deeply care about our water quality and the health of the precious watersheds in all of New England and beyond.
I encourage all of you who live in the town of Newfane and those who live in surrounding towns to speak up and seek a quick solution to this eyesore in this beautiful town!
John David Boles
Greenfield, Mass.
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