The Salisbury Village Improvement Coalition (SVIC) is a group of residents dedicated to maintaining an appropriate balance between expansion of the Village center, including affordable housing development, and the preservation of its bucolic and historic character.
About
The Salisbury Village Improvement Coalition (SVIC) is a group of residents dedicated to maintaining an appropriate balance between expansion of the Village center, including affordable housing development, and the preservation of its bucolic and historic character.
The group has a particular interest in maintaining the community property of the Rail Trail in its current form, a signature feature of the Village. SVIC is concerned with the potential creation and impact of a two-way access road abutting the Trail.
The Salisbury Village Improvement Coalition is a not for profit 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Mission
Gather information and analytical data
Provide a forum to explore and discuss ideas
Communicate and collaborate with Town leadership and government
Maintain the historic legacy and design of Salisbury
Develop alternative, balanced, cost effective proposals for housing and recreational facilities on the Pope property
Maintain the Rail Trail, intact and without any additional paving or designation for vehicular traffic, preserving its natural character as a central pedestrian and bike pathway
Editorial
Lakeville Journal, Letters to the Editor
May 9, 2024
Protect the Rail Trail
“Further alarming is that the proposed 64 affordable housing units on the Pope Property will adversely impact the adjacent Rail Trail. Much of that tract is unbuildable wetlands, and the Historic District’s part has been in hay for years, a use commensurate with the District’s mandate to preserve our heritage. While affordable housing is a moral imperative that we support, a smaller footprint and number of units would…protect the Rail Trail. We are among a group of citizens who have formed to fight back against excess urbanization of our village. We encourage you to join us, to take a stand for preserving our green heritage for future generations, and against turning the Rail Trail into an asphalt and concrete traffic road.”
Lakeville Journal, Letters to the Editor
May 2, 2024
Pope Property Density Too High
“Planning for the Pope Property is on-going, but it needs critical consideration. The current Pope building area is 9+ acres, including historic district land along the Rail Path. Assuming the Historic District Commission allows full use of that acreage, one wonders what “historic district” means if bucolic land is used for 64 housing units (approximately 110 people). That amounts to a huge intrusion into an historically protected area in Salisbury center.”
Lakeville Journal, Letters to the Editor
January 31, 2024