Protecting the Great Flats Aquifer has once again been getting a lot of attention. The most recent instance is a resurgence of public outcry regarding the potential impact Long Pond Village will have on our water supply. This, of course, is being prompted by the visible construction of that project now being done, though the public hearings and subsequent project approval occurred long ago.
A closer look invites examination of past projects in the same area. The long-embattled Rotterdam Square Mall literally paved the way. BJ’s plaza and associated strip mall wasn’t far behind. Putnam Woods condos also jumped the bandwagon. Long Pond Village is simply the latest encroachment, soon to be accompanied by associated small strip malling next door. Don’t forget to consider potential adverse impact from the Marotta dump issue in Pattersonville too.
The Schenectady County Intermunicipal Watershed Board is charged with oversight to ensure that the aquifer continues to serve as a viable clean water source for Rotterdam and the other communities that rely on this water source. To date, they do not seem alarmed that all this development will cause harm. I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch but I do recognize that our water supply is probably Schenectady County’s most vital asset. Those in charge need to recognize that greater protections of it should be afforded. I can’t imagine that the final straw isn’t far away from being laid, if it hasn’t been already. Who’ll be responsible for that?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
On Your Mark. Get Set. Study.
Last night was the second work session of the CDTC Exit 26 land use study and like the first session was well-attended. While the concerns and proposals are varied, the bike crossing across Route 5S, where there was a recent fatality, seems of particular interest to those that spoke. Essentially, it’s a safety issue and fortunately, the study has offered the opportunity to discuss possible worthwhile improvements. There will be much to consider when the concepts meet the design phase. Of course, funding any ultimate decisions will prove challenging regardless.
I thought the concept of “the green ribbon”, an idea to tie three distinct areas of the Junction together via green space along the river was intriguing. The idea one resident had of rerouting the bike path along that area and creating a new 5S crossover also made sense but it is unlikely that endeavor would ever be undertaken due to prohibitive costs. I can understand the notion of working to improve what’s already there but still it was an interesting idea to consider.
The current zoning designations didn’t seem to get much of an overhaul if I understood correctly. Wetlands, flood plains, and the aquifer are sure to exert influence over that aspect too.
The real benefit of this study will be when it is incorporated into the Town Comprehensive Plan, along with the other two interchange studies, in coordination with beefed-up performance standards. The early indication of that taking place is late summer or fall of this year. That’s the final exam for all our studying.
I thought the concept of “the green ribbon”, an idea to tie three distinct areas of the Junction together via green space along the river was intriguing. The idea one resident had of rerouting the bike path along that area and creating a new 5S crossover also made sense but it is unlikely that endeavor would ever be undertaken due to prohibitive costs. I can understand the notion of working to improve what’s already there but still it was an interesting idea to consider.
The current zoning designations didn’t seem to get much of an overhaul if I understood correctly. Wetlands, flood plains, and the aquifer are sure to exert influence over that aspect too.
The real benefit of this study will be when it is incorporated into the Town Comprehensive Plan, along with the other two interchange studies, in coordination with beefed-up performance standards. The early indication of that taking place is late summer or fall of this year. That’s the final exam for all our studying.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday Musings
Eli scrambles…throws…touchdown…the Giants win…the GIANTS WIN! Oh sorry…wrong day.
If you’re registered in a party, it’s time to go to the polls to select presidential candidates. Whoever your preferred candidate may be, I encourage you to go have your say.
Like many of you, I’m not thrilled with my remaining choices necessarily but I’ve seen worse fields. I’m a Republican who came of voting age during Reagan’s rise. I liked Nixon. I liked Goldwater. But after formative years of seeing issues in black or white, I’ve slowly relinquished my far-right stance and slid toward the middle. It’s a function of age, I think. Like I’ve stated before, many issues along with their associated solutions, are gray.
I believe in smaller government. Way smaller. On every level. I want the tax code thrown out and rewritten. I want a return to fundamental constitutional government. Most that concur, however, concede it’ll never happen. People clamor for change but then fail to embrace it when an opportunity to realize it comes along. I’m talking about real change, not the kind being paid lip service to by Republican and Democrat candidates alike.
I have always really liked McCain. But he’s not the maverick independent he previously was and I just can’t get excited about his presidency. His time has passed, I think. I thought another favorite of mine, Giuliani, would garner my support but he faded prematurely. A true leader not to be. Romney… Huckabee…not for me.
I find myself being drawn to Ron Paul in the way I was drawn to Ross Perot. Of course, conventional wisdom tells us he doesn’t stand a prayer. Nonetheless, he’s likely to capture my vote later today. Some will say I wasted my vote but the reality is he’s the candidate with views closest to mine.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/
I think the Democrats are likely to win the White House no matter who the Republicans field. I love the idea of a woman for president. I don’t think Clinton is the right woman but she’s competent and intelligent enough. Not to my liking but we could do a whole lot worse. I am intrigued by Obama though. He is passionate, dynamic, and charismatic. He seems to offer a fresh approach. I could potentially see myself pulling the lever for him but I’ve got to do my homework and examine the meat on his bones.
If only Eli was running…
If you’re registered in a party, it’s time to go to the polls to select presidential candidates. Whoever your preferred candidate may be, I encourage you to go have your say.
Like many of you, I’m not thrilled with my remaining choices necessarily but I’ve seen worse fields. I’m a Republican who came of voting age during Reagan’s rise. I liked Nixon. I liked Goldwater. But after formative years of seeing issues in black or white, I’ve slowly relinquished my far-right stance and slid toward the middle. It’s a function of age, I think. Like I’ve stated before, many issues along with their associated solutions, are gray.
I believe in smaller government. Way smaller. On every level. I want the tax code thrown out and rewritten. I want a return to fundamental constitutional government. Most that concur, however, concede it’ll never happen. People clamor for change but then fail to embrace it when an opportunity to realize it comes along. I’m talking about real change, not the kind being paid lip service to by Republican and Democrat candidates alike.
I have always really liked McCain. But he’s not the maverick independent he previously was and I just can’t get excited about his presidency. His time has passed, I think. I thought another favorite of mine, Giuliani, would garner my support but he faded prematurely. A true leader not to be. Romney… Huckabee…not for me.
I find myself being drawn to Ron Paul in the way I was drawn to Ross Perot. Of course, conventional wisdom tells us he doesn’t stand a prayer. Nonetheless, he’s likely to capture my vote later today. Some will say I wasted my vote but the reality is he’s the candidate with views closest to mine.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/
I think the Democrats are likely to win the White House no matter who the Republicans field. I love the idea of a woman for president. I don’t think Clinton is the right woman but she’s competent and intelligent enough. Not to my liking but we could do a whole lot worse. I am intrigued by Obama though. He is passionate, dynamic, and charismatic. He seems to offer a fresh approach. I could potentially see myself pulling the lever for him but I’ve got to do my homework and examine the meat on his bones.
If only Eli was running…
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