To the Editor:

I was contacted by a concerned Altamont resident about the proposal for a new Stewart’s Shop in Altamont. I have reviewed the proposed site plan and building design and offer the following observations and comments:

— 1. The historic development pattern of Altamont has been to build commercial buildings along the sidewalk edge. The current proposal ignores this precedent and locates the main building at the back of the site. Locating the building at the north corner of the site would be more compatible with the existing built environment of the village;

— 2. The existing historic house that is slated for demolition can easily be retained through thoughtful site planning. All aspects of the Stewart’s plan, including number of parking spaces, truck access, etc., can be accommodated. Any loss of residential units will have a multiplying negative effect on the village economy through the loss of economic activity and taxes;

— 3. The design of the proposed building is not compatible with the traditional Victorian architecture of the village. In fact, it could be said the proposed design would not fit in with the traditional architecture of any part of the northeastern United States.

To be polite, the design lacks any signs of imagination. It is simply an amalgamation of semi‐traditional elements arranged in a seemingly random way that no traditional builder ever would arrange. To be fair, almost no convenience stores built anywhere in the country are well designed, so Stewart’s is not alone in this failing.

The village should demand better than the absolute minimum here.

Keep in mind that the fundamental problem is that the traditional buildings of the village are vertically oriented, two-story buildings with steep roofs, while the convenience store form is essentially horizontal. The resolution of this conflict is where creativity is critical.

I am an architect with over 25 years of experience working with some of our nation’s most important historic buildings and historic neighborhoods. I also have extensive experience in city planning, new construction, and building codes.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this opportunity for Altamont to improve its built environment.

Matthew K. Scheidt AIA

Albany