To the Editor:

Your article about the Guilderland residents issued a Building and Zoning Department permit for a pool installation in wetlands should have Westmere residents on alert [“Couple sues Guilderland over pool built in wetlands,” Jan. 16, 2025].

I wrote Jacqueline Coons, Peter Barber, Paul Pastore, and Patricia Slavick about the ground sinking in Westmere. I learned that Westmere is at risk for sink holes through a government land expert because of a ravine and underground streams in this sandy area.

National Grid explained to me that they cannot bury poles underground for the worry of sinkholes. Every time a pool installation is requested or a home is constructed, I thought the Building and Zoning Department would be vigilant to guard against overbuilds and keep us safe.

Is there anyone in this town willing to stand up for us and run for the town supervisor and town board? Is voting hatred of any other party beside D so strong that safety can be compromised? We will not be allowed a primary; we have entrenched familial leadership that owes this town an apology for not protecting the town wetlands.

Christine Duffy

Guilderland