To the Editor:

Thank you for taking the time with Ellen to get some of the details of this development “Cease-and-desist orders did not stop tree-cutting for proposed development,” The Altamont Enterprise, Decc. 30, 2022].

The emotional aspect of this is taking its toll on Ellen and me and many others.

Day  after day, the angry buzzing of the saws have only paused for the tapping of wedges and the bone-wracking crack of the ancient oaks falling in this pristine tract. This strip of land traverses roughly from the back side of Bozenkill Park along the meandering Black and Bozenkill Creeks to the corner of Armstrong Drive and Altamont Orchard.

The saws have been quelled, at least for the time being, by a third cease-and-desist order from the town of Guilderland for violations of various codes that mostly help protect the environment. The first two orders were ignored and cutting resumed.

This unique acreage has it all; ancient farmland long left to go fallow, running r with their attendant wetland and stately old growth, with many huge oaks that stand to stabilize the gentle hills that feed the streams.

The oaks also are the roosting refuge of the now endangered Northern Long Eared Bat, bird species too numerous to list but including a pair of big old owls that frequently echo each other’s calls in the evening.

Of course there are deer and coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, and more. The woods is visited by bobcats and bears that makes the neighborhood buzz with excitement. The bats zip around the neighborhood sky all summer long, madly keeping the skeeters from the wetland in check.

Some neighbors wonder if they should just sell and try to find another little piece of paradise. They might be right but we’re going to fight.

Dr. Bill Root

Guilderland

Editor’s note: See related story.