Opinion: Don’t forget the value of Dartmouth’s open spaces, agricultural land

Jul 14, 2025

To the editor:

The town planner/planning board has asked for input on the type of housing citizens prefer. To me that is ignoring the more important issue.

There is no question that more housing is needed. Other important questions are: Where to put it? How much will this cost taxpayers? What will be lost? What will the town look like?

Dartmouth is an increasingly popular community for people to live in. Among its most popular attributes are a good school system, great recreational resources, and a new commuter rail system.

These have led to a growing population that has outgrown its water and sewage system, put increasing pressure on the school system and other town departments.

Look at the Cost of Community Services Studies completed in many towns throughout the country, including Dartmouth. These consistently indicate more development means higher taxes.

Our local land trusts, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT), Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC) and agricultural community have consistently advocated for the preservation of our open spaces and productive agricultural land. These are what make Dartmouth such an attractive place to live.

Please help the planning team to ensure a sustainable future for our town.

Fred Dabney