To the Editor:

Recently Western Avenue and  Western Turnpike have seen considerable growth in building and development. One of the good things about these new structures is the replacement of old dilapidated buildings with new modern structures that are far more functional and beneficial to the community.

The former one-story dump at 1210 Western Ave. has been replaced by a commercial structure. The former Marine Midland Bank at the corner of routes 20 and 146 is now a Cumberland Farms. The old Bumble Bee has been replaced by Tractor Supply. The Governor’s Motor Inn has been demolished and will be replaced by Storaway.

Also on Western Turnpike is a new car-wash structure. In the northern part of town the Nedco building will be torn down and replaced by a roundabout. There is still work to be done however. The Bohl property on Route 20 and Foundry Road begs for demolition. The Rustic Barn on Route 20 west of Fuller Station Road is in need of demolition and removal.

The prior success stories previously mentioned are all changes and improvements made by developers. This is to the town’s advantage. The New York State Department of Transportation will demolish the Nedco in favor of a new roundabout or traffic circle.

The town of Guilderland has done little to effectuate change in the number of derelict buildings in its jurisdiction. There are two factions seeking the nod for councilperson in the June 22 Democrat primary. I would like to have Mr. Peter] Barber, Mr. [Paul] Pastore, Ms. [Amanda] Beedle, Ms. [Christine] Napierski, and Mr. [Kevin] McDonald address this issue and inform primary voters such as myself as to how they will remove the Rustic Barn eyesore.

The Rustic Barn is located on the western entry to the town of Guilderland. What a sad commentary that this structure introduces  people to our town. What is needed here is not political platitudes but specific plans on removing  this eyesore.

I have been after getting rid of this building with the town for at least eight years with no success. We need creativity and energy to get this building removed. Let’s spruce up the western entrance and improve everyone’s first impression of our dynamic town.

I will be looking forward to  learning from each of you your plans to remove the Rustic Barn.

John B. Haluska

Guilderland