To the Editor:

On July 22, The Altamont Enterprise wrote an extensive editorial, “Fair housing is a hard-won American right.”

I am glad The Altamont Enterprise published this explanation of the fight for fair housing in the United States. It is important to remember our history and what a huge struggle this was. I believe it is essential that all people have access to comfortable, safe and affordable housing.

Unfortunately, in trying to explain that the Guilderland Town Board should look at all of the impacts of developing 24 Karner Road in the Pine Bush, I was mistaken when I said the town should also consider if affordable housing would bring more crime. I apologize; my remarks on crime were hurtful and simply wrong.

Many Save the Pine Bush volunteers and supporters live in affordable housing. We support building and rehabbing housing in developed areas.

However, we are opposed to paving over lands where the endangered Karner blue butterfly resides. Our tax dollars should not fund development of the best remaining Pine Bush lands sought by the state as essential lands to add to the preserve.

Ultimately the choice is not between preserving essential wildlife habitat or safe, decent, and affordable housing. Like you, I want good housing to exist for all in our community regardless of race, age ,or income.

But I also want to ensure that children for generations to come can walk through fields of lupine and experience the beauty of a Karner blue butterfly landing on their hand.

We don’t have to choose; we can preserve these important lands by building housing outside of the Pine Bush.

Andy Arthur

Volunteer

Save the Pine Bush