To the Editor:

Business and community development go hand in hand, especially in Guilderland.  The unique geographic location has attracted larger businesses, many of which pay taxes to the town that keep our property taxes relatively low (that is, compared to other areas).

Because that fact usually sparks controversy, it is important for the town of Guilderland and the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce to work together to balance the community recreational features of Guilderland with economic development. With Guilderland’s parks, golf courses, town pool, location of the Pine Bush Preserve, Altamont, and more, we have succeeded in that goal.

Business is increasing here in Guilderland, with many inquiries and developing projects in spaces along Western Avenue and in the plazas and mall. These amenities attract homebuyers and home builders and in fact, according to CM Fox Real Estate, a local company, in the past 12 months, 454 homes have sold in the town of Guilderland, compared to 413 in the previous 12 months.

Of the 454 homes sold, 55 of them were new construction. The average sale price was $281,000 which is 10 percent higher than the average across our region in suburban townships.

The Guilderland Chamber is having a business member drive, using many local volunteers, to shore up the power in numbers here at the chamber in order to make us a voice for business and the community. We are also partnering with the Pine Bush Preserve on its huge Family Day on May 15, coordinating a restaurant week in July, and have our shared office space expanding at Star Plaza.

Support your local chamber and keep our community strong!

Kathy Burbank

Guilderland Chamber of Commerce