To the Editor:

We are writing regarding the article in the May 2, 2019 edition regarding the Stewart’s plans to expand its Altamont store [“A small band of Altamont residents sue to reverse Stewart’s rezone”]. We have lived and raised our family on Helderberg Avenue for 30 years, and, until now, considered Stewart’s to be a good neighbor.

That is no longer the case. The  spot rezoning of 107-109 Helderberg Ave., and Stewart’s application for a variance, show disregard for long-time residents of the village, and put Stewart’s interests above the quality of life in the village.

The rezoning and State Environmental Quality Review issues have been well reported, and we won’t rehash that, as the courts will decide if Altamont violated the law.

But Stewart’s continued assault on the well-being of its neighbors is an insult to its good neighbors who have been Stewart’s customers for decades. The house at 107-109 Helderberg Ave. is a classic Victorian two-family home which for decades has met the real need for rental homes in the village for families who may not wish to purchase a home or may lack the resources to do so.

Families have grown up there, and they and their home are an important part of our community. Stewart’s would displace these residents so that they can expand its parking lot and add some space to its store. It is no exaggeration to say that if Stewart’s does so, it will have “paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Now Stewart’s seeks a variance so that it can build its new store closer than the law permits to Carol Rothenberg’s Helderberg Avenue home, which will be next door to the expanded Stewart’s store. She has lived there for 40 years and raised a family.

Carol’s beautiful home is an asset to the community — lovingly maintained in a way that preserves its Victorian elegance and the unique charm of the village. Stewart’s does not even have the decency to leave a buffer between its store and Carol’s home, which it could easily do by properly setting back the building and planting trees and shrubs.

Rather, Stewart’s is assaulting her privacy, the quiet enjoyment of her home, and the reasonable expectation that her neighboring property, which was zoned residential long ago, would continue to provide the residential environment she and her neighbors are entitled to.

The variances that Stewart’s seeks should be denied. The character of the village and the reasonable expectations of the neighborhood far outweigh Stewart’s corporate interests. We would welcome a renovated or new Stewart’s shop on its existing lot. Altamont should prioritize the values that make our village a great place to live.   

Susan and Cliff Zucker

Altamont

Editor’s note: Asked if the Zuckers are members of the Concerned Severson Neighbors, Cliff Zucker said he has attended a CSN meeting and is supportive of the group’s efforts. “It’s not like you get a card,” he said.