In reply to easements, I feel no fear living in Livermore. I love living on Batten Road. Easements haven’t been lost.
The road became unusable in 1987 when it washed out and remained impassable for years. A land owner asked to purchase culverts to fix the road from the town of Livermore. It cost approximately $15,000, which he paid with his own money. The selectmen agreed. The town of Livermore discontinued the road. As a local resident, I’m more concerned about future conservation, further development and the preservation of the wild lands.
Batten Road has always been open to recreation. Landowners have maintained “the right of travel” and “right of way” for Livermore residents and nonresidents. We enjoy walking, riding horses, ATV’s, biking, snow machining, hunting, etc.
I’m concerned about the privacy we will lose if Batten Road is reopened to public use. It would be terrible if some child or animal lost their life to a drunken driver trying to avoid arrest using Route 4. We’d all lose some control and safety if the road is reopened. Residents would have cause to fear. Strangers won’t be aware of children riding bikes, or pets. They will, however, be able to canvas our homes. This would be a result of ignorance and increased traffic. Quiet walks on Bean Street will be over. Is this price worth an open road? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
Sherrylee Ames, Livermore
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