|
Large Development Projects Threaten the PV Ecosystem
To the Editor:
Big Developers and their Fellow Travelers' rant that "you can't stop people from building" is as transparent as glass by now: a scare tactic, especially repugnant when it comes from people who should know better (e.g., lawyers who- ignorantly, at best or deceitfully, at worst- wave the Constitution about as they rant, hoping that no one will recognize their bluff.)
By now, anyone who has been paying attention should know that large development projects threaten the social, physical and economic ecosystem of everyone who lives- or ever will live in Putnam Valley.
The net cost of large developments in Putnam Valley has repeatedly been demonstrated to be well beyond what a sustainable environment- and tax rates require. Thus, such large developments should properly be seen as the enemy of the people, rather than the unbridled right of any single individual- a right which is definitely NOT guaranteed by our Constitution!.
If it were a guaranteed right, wouldn't there be even more large developments all over the country? If large developers had the Constitution behind them, there would be no stopping them! But, the truth is that there are fights like that being waged in Putnam Valley all over the country. Fights waged by people claiming their right to clean air, water, affordable schools and homes.
Then, there is the rant of the large development lobby, "You just want to lock the gate and keep everyone out of Putnam Valley". I would direct these folks to realestate.com where they will find, as I did, that there are currently 95 homes for sale in Putnam Valley. And that's only the homes on multiple listing. The additional exclusive or by-owner sales are unknown. With so many available homes, why do we need to permit more developments in order to be seen as a welcoming community?
Still, we're being asked to accept something we don't need or want, something we can't afford. Accepting it could be the definition of craziness. If, as has been alleged regarding the Emerald Ridge development, Putnam Valley elected or appointed representatives have made any "deals" to permit such craziness, it could be the definition of something even worse.
Dr. Kathleen O'C. Hoekstra
Putnam Valley
| 
