To the Editor:

Stewart’s Stores has asked to expand its footprint so it can ruin the perfect set up we have now.  Similar in size to Route 20, Stewart’s want to expand by removing a valuable and important property so it can double its gas sales and provide more seating.

Let’s review this request for its pros and cons.

— 1. Con: Removes a “transitional” property.  This is a building such as a multi-family apartment building, which provides a buffer between commercial and residential.  If you remove that house then there is no transition and you have made the next house, probably a single-family home, into the transition property, which it was not supposed to be.  Walk around the village (or any urban area) and you can see exactly what I am talking about.  This is called zoning and is critical to maintaining the village’s character;

— 2. Con: By doubling their gas pumps from four to eight, Stewart’s will automatically reduce the Old Ketchum’s gas business by at least one third.  Are we finding today that all eight pumps in the village super-busy all the time?  I don’t think so.  This also goes for seating.  I agree, their rival provides better seating now and they want their business as well.

— 3. Pro: Stewart’s gets to wipe out the Old Ketchum’s store while removing a home owned by an absentee landlord who simply does not care.  Oh, I see now: This is only a “pro” for Stewart’s.  Look, if you don’t like your property, sell to the two or three landlords who do a good job of keeping up the old transitional homes as rentals.  Expecting a zoning change is not a valid defense.

In conclusion, expanding of the Stewart’s beyond its current space would make no sense for anybody who cares.  In fact, if Stewart’s really wants to provide what the old Ketchum’s provides, it should just buy it and expand behind it near Agway where few live or keep two stores in town if they feel the village needs it.  They did this when they purchased Convenient in Schenectady and both are busy (on Broadway).  But their gobbling up Helderberg Avenue should not be allowed.

Please come to the next Altamont Village Board meeting to help make this clear to Stewart’s, which simply wants more while we get less.

Robert M. Rabbin

Altamont