To the Editor:

As a member of the Altamont Comprehensive Plan Task Force, which received public input and was adopted by the village board to set the vision for the future of Altamont, I have to wonder whether the proposed expansion of Stewart’s into the surrounding community complies with this vision.

The plan, and the subsequent zoning laws reflecting the plan, serve to protect and preserve the unique character of Altamont for future generations.  As I've watched Stewart’s improve many of their facilities in the area, I've often thought how nice it would be to have our Stewart’s improved to better reflect the historic character of the surrounding community.  Expanding into the neighborhood, is inconsistent with the plan.

Protecting our neighborhoods, maintaining the business district footprint, and insuring that any development is consistent with the scale of the existing businesses and residences is what will preserve the small town character and charm that we love about Altamont.  

As I understand it, Stewart’s first presented a plan to improve its existing space, but the design was unacceptable to the planning board. Stewart’s was asked to return with a better design, which prompted the idea for an expanded site.  I would suggest that we ask Stewart’s to return to its original idea of improving the current building to better reflect the village character, and not pursue expansion.

Altamont is a unique, charming Victorian village, which is becoming a thing of the past throughout the country.  We have much to protect for future generations. I think it's important that we, as a village, think very carefully before we make any change to the village structure so that, years from now, when we look back, we don't find ourselves saying, "Why did we do that?"

On Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m., Stewart’s will present its expansion plans to the village board. I encourage everyone who cares about this issue to either attend this meeting, or write to our mayor at altamontmayor@aol.com to share your thoughts.

Kristin Casey

Altamont