To the Editor:

We are certainly in troubling times as we face the current COVID-19 crisis. The Capital Region Chamber represents more than 2,900 businesses and organizations from throughout the region. As in all parts of the country, our region’s businesses and organizations have had to make many difficult decisions to stay on track, while protecting and supporting their employees and customers.

In a time like this, the chamber is supporting our members by encouraging them to control what they can control and plan for the coming days, weeks, and months in the best way possible. By doing this, the Capital Region can prepare for the exit of this crisis and a time when we can re-engage businesses and employees, and move forward.

As a resident of Guilderland, I am proud of our town officials. They have been doing an excellent job of setting guidelines on future growth, while also listening to the questions and suggestions by town residents on the proposed development off of Western Avenue. This development would bring a Costco to the region as well as medium to high-end apartments on property owned by Crossgates’ management.

The public-comment period was opened prior to the COVID-19 crisis. Since then, the public comment period has been extended twice. This is prudent and has allowed people to interact with town officials. 

As a region, we cannot forfeit future prosperity during a time of uncertainty. We need to remember that this project would bring construction jobs to the region in a time that we desperately need them. When up and running, these projects will produce hundreds of long-term jobs.

It would be great for Guilderland to now move forward with approvals in a time frame that would allow for site preparation and initial construction to happen this summer if possible.

We need these projects now more than ever.

Thomas O’Connor

Vice President

Government Relations

Capital Region Chamber