How do you envision Altamont’s future landscape?

To the Editor:

Let me invite you to envision a future village of Altamont.

At present, we have our Orsini Park, an historic library, restaurants, and businesses that all utilize original buildings. Currently the Altamont Corners and gas stations fit into the scale of our Central Business District. This area falls within the guidelines of the comprehensive plan.

Additionally, Nan Stolzenburg, village planner, previously recommended that new projects be to a scale and design that are consistent with the Altamont village character, uniqueness, and its charm.

At present, the street and business lighting is low and soft, allowing for a nighttime glow. I invite you to drive or walk up to the corner of Helderberg and Severson avenues and have a look. It is a very different perspective looking down toward the village than that of driving up to that area. Lighting is not intruding into the neighborhoods surrounding the Central Business District.

And for the future look and feel of the village?

Envision a larger Stewart’s that is planned to be only 44 square feet smaller than the appropriately-sized Western Avenue store. The plans seen at the village office show five pole lights with a double-sized gas canopy with additional lighting, plus building soffit lights (possibly 10).

The side facing the funeral home will have picnic tables, lighting, and a bike rack. The funeral home porch, where people enter for services, will now face the side of the building and picnic tables that are close to the sidewalk. Noise and the additional lighting will stay on until at least 11:30 nightly.

Additionally, my property will be only 20 feet from the rear of the store, the compressors even closer, if the variance of 30 feet is granted. (Code now requires 50 feet.) I will be the only residence left on the block. With the loss of almost 18 trees and the house buffering our neighborhood from lights and noise pollution, that corner may be the brightest main event in Altamont.

If this project is approved, and a commercial business is allowed to expand into our neighborhood, with variances granted, then the precedent is set. Future projects and other neighborhoods close to the Central Business District will need to be vigilant. Is this how we envision our future village landscape?

Please attend the Altamont Village Board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. for the public hearing. The agenda is on the village website.

Carol Rothenberg

Altamont

More Letters to the Editor

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.