These are my top 10 reasons to save the Griswold airport property.

We've got close to 5,000 reasons right here in Madison…and counting (this is the number of children in Madison). Another reason is we can't afford not to save it. Once we build on it, it's gone...forever. Too expensive? That's what they said about the Surf Club 30 years ago. Can any of us imagine Madison without the Surf Club? Also, wildlife is depending on us. The salt marshes help protect us from floods. It's our turn now to protect them.

Yes, if the land were developed, Madison seniors and empty nesters would be able to move into the residences. But who will move into their vacated homes? Families with children, that's who! Another reason is that it's beautiful the way it is; another is that development would bring higher taxes in the form of additional police, fire, and ambulance services and a tax catastrophe if the developer's underperforming septic system fails. We also need athletic fields. Madison has too few fields to meet the needs of our athletes.

My number one reason is because it's the right thing to do. We owe it to future generations. I hope your readers will get out and vote "Yes" on Jan. 26 to preserve the Griswold property. Thousands of us have worked hard and long at saving Long Island Sound. Why stop now? Many of us moved to Madison in large part because of the open space. Let's help to create memories and impart our values to our children by voting to preserve it.

Cate Nyary

Madison