In last week’s 1351-word article on the plans for filming “Little Women,” the Press failed to mention that the town administrator confirmed that we would, indeed, be getting only $80/day in rent for use of the land between the General Store and the Congregational church. Other fees were still “under negotiation,” which seems odd, given the progress of the project. Columbia representatives also said that Meryl Streep would not be filming in the center, which didn’t make it into the article either.
At a recent social event, Stu Sklar, the Select Board’s representative in these matters, told me that Columbia would be paying $50,000 for the town to restore that land, and that it would cost less than that to get the land better than it has been for many years. I believe the excess money will go to the town’s general fund rather than to help Park and Rec with their cash flow problems (perhaps a subject for another letter).
Of course it’s great that a big-budget movie of a “beloved classic” will be filmed here. Nevertheless, town administration should be more open with information, and the Press should thoroughly report what they learn and, well, press for more.
Billy Salter
Elm Street (and thus in the camera’s path)
