Dear Editor:

I have read the letters to the editor in recent weeks, as well as the voices and rhetoric online regarding the Botanical Gardens and its expansion plans. It is a very one-sided conversation thus far, and, I believe, unfair to the Gardens, and their side of this issue should be available for public consumption as well.

They will have approximately 675 parking spaces (not the oft mentioned 900) when work is done. Going unmentioned by others is that this is 100 parking spaces less than in their original plans. The Gardens decreased the amount of parking as a compromise to the Anthony family, along with increasing the buffer zone between the end of the parking area and the Anthonys' property line to approximately 100 feet, which is 80 feet more than current zoning requires. There will be plenty of trees, bushes and plantings. Also, these parking areas will be used primarily when at full capacity. If we consider all this, it would seem that the long-term impact on the Anthonys' home will be minimal once the work is completed.

The work area is minimally in the watershed impact area for Knickerbocker Lake. I found no documents at the town office stating that there has been any impact on the water quality to date, and it was confirmed to me at the town office that it is being tested at least weekly. From what I have read about the proposed system being put into place, it is very efficient and effective, having been used in various places over the past 10-15 years with great success.

No one denies the importance of preserving and protecting the region’s town water supply, including the Gardens. There was a lot of thought and consideration of various options put into the final plans submitted to the town. Trying to lay all responsibility for protecting the water supply at the Gardens’ feet is not only unreasonable, but also dangerous. There are over 100 properties around Knickerbocker, all with septic systems. Who’s monitoring and pestering them to be perfect?

I believe the management at the Gardens are caring and hardworking people whom we can trust, who have put a lot of research and thought into this project. They should be allowed to move forward with their vision.

Sandy Paxson

Bath