To the Editor:

I want to thank everyone who came to the Altamont Village Board meeting for the public hearing on Stewart’s expansion. Additionally, thanks to those who helped secure the 200 signatures on the petitions in such a short time period.

We were basically all asking for the same things, which is a better Stewart’s building at such a prominent location in our village. The difference really was that some of us wanted to find a solution on the existing site to preclude tearing down a home in an established residential neighborhood, thus causing the relocation of a longstanding Altamont family.

We all were in agreement, however, that we need an improved Stewart’s, and because we all share our love for the village, I know we can join hands for a better community.  We are, after all, friends.

Now that the decision has been made to go forward with the rezone, I am very hopeful that people will stay engaged and we can work together with Stewart’s to make the expansion be the best it can be. I heard many say that the new Stewart’s will not have a negative impact on the neighborhood and historic character of Altamont.

I truly believe that all of us who care deeply about the village can find a design and site plan that addresses all of our concerns while making this Stewart’s the better store we all deserve.

I also applaud the concern and caring expressed to Spencer and his family as they plan for their relocation. His words at the meeting were so appreciated by all of us, and in turn, I would like us to embrace them in this period of transition by helping in whatever ways we can.

I love this community, and felt we had an exchange of opinions. It reinforced for me what makes our village strong, and I look forward to coming together as we move to the next phase of the discussion.

The planning board will meet on Monday, Jan. 28, to hear a presentation by Stewart’s so please attend to learn more as the planning phase begins.

Thank you.

Carol Rothenberg

Altamont

Editor’s note: Carol Rothenberg lives next door to the house that Stewart’s plans to tear down, now that the property has been rezoned.

See related story.