To the Editor:

I am all for thorough and proper review of major development projects. But we must balance the public-comment period with the need to make decisions. So many people have wanted a Costco for years, and now that a clear and good plan for this project has been submitted, I hope that town officials will make the decision to let it come to be.

In recent weeks, this project has changed from a “would be nice” to a “clear need” for our economic sustainability. The project will pump millions of dollars in investment into the region, creating hundreds of jobs, and supporting our existing tax base.

Not to mention the fact that this development will support countless small businesses up and down Western Avenue. In addition, it will be a much-needed revitalization of a section of Western Avenue that is vacant and underutilized — a section of the town that is in my Westmere neighborhood.

It is time for the town to approve this plan and let work begin. The project will be a lifeline to so many Capital Region families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. It will also support existing businesses in the area.

I understand the need to follow state-based open meetings laws, and I support these fully, but in this case we have had to wait for far too long. We need to get jobs and prosperity to the forefront as we emerge into a new economic reality.

Julie Taber

Guilderland