The Nashwaak Steering Committee along with the Provincial Department of Environment and Local Government are in negotiations to amalgamate the Local Service Districts of Saint Mary's, Estey's Bridge & Stanley with the Village of Stanley; it is a vast area. This would create a new Rural Community which would raise taxes while providing no further benefits to many people in the areas of Lower Saint Marys & Richibucto Road (Evergreen Estates, Popple Hill, Rolling Hill, Pepper Creek). These areas aren't even 'attached' to the rest of the proposed rural community; we have to drive through Fredericton to even visit the rest of our so-called 'community'.
I have attended the majority of public meetings that were held and the one benefit the steering committee keeps talking about is Federal Gas Tax dollars that we as a rural community would be able to receive. While this could be a great benefit, there are major concerns over how and where those dollars would be spent in the new proposed rural community. During the public consultations numerous people spoke and were concerned about the proposed boundary being too large and encompassing areas that are more 'urban' (i.e. heavily populated and close proximity to the City of Fredericton). Additionally, the Village of Stanley has aging infrastructure, which will, in time, need of repair; how does repairing their infrastructure benefit the rest of us? We are too far away from Stanley to utilize any potential benefits that would be given to them.
We have the opportunity to opt out from the proposal. We can keep tax rates exactly as they are for those living in our area. Why would we opt to raise taxes just to see improvements in the Village of Stanley? Signing this petition signifies that you are a resident of one of Lower Saint Marys or Richibucto Road (Evergreen Estates, Popple Hill, Rolling Hill, Pepper Creek) and that you wish to opt-out of the Nashwaak Rural Community Proposal.
Thank you.
