To the Editor:

The Stewart’s rezone is again the topic of discussion in Altamont. The rezone has caused divisiveness among members of our community that does not embrace the term of being a good neighbor, which Stewart’s maintains it is.

I am not opposed to Stewart’s updating and expanding on its current footprint. By granting the rezone, the Altamont Village Board is changing the tenor of the village.

Stewart’s is interested in its bottom line. Stewart’s is a corporation, concerned with its profit margins. Let us not fool ourselves; Stewart’s is not concerned with Altamont. We are just a conduit to increasing its profits.

Profits and store improvements are fine but not at the expense of razing beautiful green space, destroying housing, and increasing light pollution that will forever reduce the ability to see stars in the night sky.

I ask that all who are opposed to the village board granting Stewart’s a rezone, to please contact the village to voice your opinion and/or attend the upcoming board meeting for public comment on the rezone.

Jennifer Betancourt

Altamont