Oxford Votes on Power Plant Tax Plan

Residents in the town of Oxford voted Thursday on a multimillion dollar tax plan connected to a controversial power plant that is now under construction.

That vote led to some tense moments outside of the Quaker Farms School as residents came out to vote on a proposed tax plan connected to the Towantic energy plant.

Construction on the power plant got the final green light in in 2015.

Residents are voting on a three-part question about tax benefits stemming from the multimillion dollar project. In question is whether to accept a deal that would mean more than $100 million in taxes paid to the town over 22 years.

Supporters, including the town’s first selectman, say the money would be a good thing and would also mean lower taxes for residents.

“It’s not a big encumbrance on the town and it has a tremendous impact in terms of taxes,” First Selectman George Temple said.

“It’s probably the best project in town in terms of securing our future revenue,” Oxford resident Herman Schuler said.

Meanwhile, some opponents say the town is getting a bad deal for the plant they don’t even want built and believe it will lower property values and cause pollution.

“The town fathers, if you will, have put new lipstick on the same old pig and they’re trying it again,” Dave Gliserman, an Oxford resident, said.

“The property around there will be totally devalued. The only thing that will want to go in there is heavy industry,” Marge Polstein, another resident, said.

Voting is taking place at the Quaker Farms School until 8 p.m.

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