To the Editor:

Poles are important for navigation. Without a GPS [Global Positioning System] system, even modern-day trekkers deep in the woods will pull out a compass if their sense of direction fails them.

Altamont has its own pole to point to what the right direction is. It’s new and rather high and at night can be seen quite far down Main Street because it’s lit up, all the way to the top.

It was erected by Harvey Vlahos and CSN (Concerned Severson Neighbors) a few days ago to show people in the village just how high the Stewart’s new store will reach toward the sky [“Citizens Install Sign to Illustrate Scale of Stewart’s Expansion, The Altamont Enterprise, Feb. 1, 2020]. Its height is 31 to 32 feet, about halfway between the proposed roof line and the peak of the cupola.

The pole has elicited raised eyebrows and disbelief when visitors approach the structure at the corner of 107-109 Helderberg.

Seeing is believing and this pole really takes much of the guesswork out of imagining the much-expanded mass this planned structure will take. It will dominate this physical aspect of our village and truly, because of its large size, flies in the face of the intent of the village’s comprehensive plan.

For Stewart’s to achieve the extensive height as illustrated by the newly installed pole, three variances will have to be granted by the village zoning board. If approved, a most dangerous precedent will be set for any future development in the village. Such a board action would truly violate the heart of the village’s comprehensive plan.

Many people participated in the creation of the plan years ago. It is not to be taken lightly. It is the people’s guide to what they want their village to look like. In that document, they hammered out their vision for the future of Altamont.

That vision should hold on Feb. 11 when the zoning board meets to consider Stewart’s application for three variances. It remains the voice of the people and should be heard loud and clear.

The temporary pole on Helderberg doesn’t point toward the North Star but it does point in the right direction. It’s there for all to see and well worth the trek.

Betty Head

Altamont