To the Editor:

As we look to strengthen our economy while still in the midst of the COVID-19 battle, I think it’s important to look ahead to the future and put plans in place that will help do just that. I have voiced my support of the Costco project over the past several months and I think it’s time to do so again.

As a resident of Westmere for more than 30 years, residing only a mile from the proposed development, I can tell you that my family and I fully support these plans. Having family members that have served as volunteers of the Westmere Fire Department for numerous years, and myself as an active participant at my children’s school here in Guilderland, we are a family that has invested in this town and would love nothing more than to see it grow and thrive.

As our economy continues to struggle with COVID-19, we need this future development now more than ever. I hear about businesses closing left and right and wonder how many more will follow.

No doubt that this has and will continue to result in loss of funding for our schools, towns, and counties. With a project like Costco to drive that sales-tax revenue and give other businesses a source of incoming visitors to the market, we should accept this project. This growth has never been more needed.

I thank the town for the time it has invested in this project’s review and hope that it gets the necessary approvals so that we can soon welcome a Costco to our community.

Julie Taber

Guilderland