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Philipstown Best Served by 'Sustainable Growth', not 'Smart Growth'
To the Editor:
To begin with, in talking about the future of Philipstown, we would be best served by replacing the term "smart growth" with that of "sustainable growth." Both a concept and a HUD program that originated in the 1970s, "smart growth" focused on development in urban centers. It also valued the idea of sustainability, which has become the primary concern of "sustainable growth."
A more sophisticated concept than its predecessor, "sustainable growth" encourages the type of planning that is appropriate to smaller, non-urban communities such as Philipstown, that wish to protect their character and the environment, avoid over-development, and maintain reasonable property taxes.
With regard to the loss of the Butterfield Hospital property, I would like to say that I worked tirelessly with the Putnam County and Philipstown Municipal Team (the Mayors of Cold Spring and Nelsonville, the Philipstown Town Supervisor, and County government) to keep it in community hands.
As part of the process, I battled with the County Executive, who wanted to bring back Hudson Valley Hospital, against the wishes of both the hospital and other community leaders. Due to the obstacles created by the Executive through his myopic vision and inability to listen, we have unfortunately lost the opportunity to secure much-needed facilities for our community. These might have included a facility ensuring good nutrition, a health clinic and community space for our seniors.
Regarding the Executive, I would like to add that I am appalled by his current proposed increase in county property taxes of more than 40 percent, especially in light of the little we would receive for it, and the loss of the Butterfield property.
As for the property, our only hope now is that through the planning process, the developer will give something back to the community. The rumor that I have had any contact with the developer and was involved in back room negotiations for this deal are untrue. In fact, I do not know Mr. Guillero and have never had a conversation with him. I would, however, like to meet him some day to let him know what I think our priorities are as we move forward.
In any event, the planning will go forward, property rights will prevail, and we will have an opportunity in the future for public comment throughout the planning process.
Vincent Tamagna County Legislator
Philipstown
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