Haas Was Right
On ‘Ancient Roads’

We seem to be living in a world of spin where attention to detail is ignored and sound bites take precedence. Your September 28 article, "Fox Challenges Haas…" is an example of this when Mr. Fox speaks about the recent unidentified corridors bill, Act 178. I think that he needs to take a closer look at the bill to see its innate value to the towns. Act 178 passed both houses on a voice vote, indicating large support for the bill. This act includes funding to assist the towns in researching and mapping their town highways, trails and unidentified corridors.

The legal status of unidentified corridors (or ancient roads) has been in the news and has proven to be a controversial issue in many towns since many of these roads are not legally established. There have been several lawsuits and concern from the title insurance, banking and mortgage industries initiated this new legislation. Act 178 provides a process to determine the legal status of town roads. This should, in the future, save the towns money by avoiding costly litigation.

Sometimes we need to revisit the past to build a stronger future.

Suana Bicek

Pittsfield

____________