To the Editor:
As you know, the Phillips Hardware signage is causing quite the stir in the community, not only for those who live near Osborn Corners, but for others in the town as well [“After hubbub, Phillips puts hardware sign request on hold as he seeks variance for minimart sign,” The Altamont Enterprise, Feb. 22, 2022].

Jonathan Phillips made the following accusation against the Guilderland coalition for Responsible Growth:

“These are the same people that come out against everything,” he said of the members although he also admitted, “I didn’t expect as much noise.”

On one level, I feel compelled to rebut his statement, but on the other, perhaps a better understanding of what we do, who we are, and what our vision is would clarify without attacking him.

What you probably don’t know is that he called me after the first public hearing to “find out about GCRG,” so he said. Actually, what he said for 45 minutes was all about him, his businesses, his financial situation, his philanthropy, and that essentially, if he didn’t get his signs, his business would not survive and neither would his philanthropy.

We all know the zoning board could have just said no, case closed, and then he would have to reapply with a new fee. Mr. Phillips’s response to that was that he would get the fee waived.

What many folks don’t know is that part of Route 146 is noted as being on the State Register of Historic Places. Has anyone actually looked at this?

Certainly Mr. Phillips hasn’t and the zoning board, which was the lead agency on the project, didn’t. Has anyone looked into what needs to happen with development such as this in the same district as historic sites? I doubt it.

Being uninformed about GCRG is not a unique situation and there are many others, many in Town Hall, who have preconceived ideas of who we are and what we are. Most notably, GCRG is known for being against the Rapp Road/Crossgates/Costco projects along with the Save the Pine Bush and Westmere Warriors as well as being against the Hiawatha project.

We really are more than that. We strive to engage with the residents of the town in the interest of maintaining our community character.

We like to see open green spaces, and hope that the public will take a greater interest in the local governmental processes. Guilderland is moving forward with the likes of a comprehensive plan that is over 20 years old.

Much has changed in 20 years and having moved here myself over 20 years ago, I, too, see the changes. We moved here for the schools, the quaint nature of the town, yet the closeness to many amenities that you find in the area.

We did not move here to live among electronic signs, abundant apartment buildings, and the unfettered growth that seems to be happening. I think I wrote a letter to the paper a couple of years ago about this.

While we understand that change is inevitable, it always matters how it happens and how truly inclusive the community is made to feel.

We work with groups who have concerns about development in their neighborhoods. We meet with them, find out their concerns and work with them to voice those concerns to the proper folks. I find it ironic that people contact us when there is an issue rather than the town directly.

As you know, former members of GCRG have moved on from the group and are now serving on the town board (Ms. [Laurel] Bohl and Ms. [Christine] Napierski) and one person serves on the Traffic Safety Committee (Mr. [Frank] Casey).

We try to educate the public through our newsletters by discussing topics that we hope are of interest to all and provide links so that they can then follow up should they choose. This is one way we try to educate the public.

As the pandemic lifts and we can get back to regular life, we hope to hold open meetings on a variety of topics that are of interest to the residents and that would affect them in a positive way. If you recall, just before the pandemic, GCRG hosted a seminar on alternate heating and energy at the library. This is just one way we can interact with the community.

We are basically a town-wide community group that voices concerns and values the laws and codes for responsible growth and zoning. We try to back up our claims and reason with facts.

What we have found is that this does not seem to be welcome by the various town boards and we are seen as troublemakers and malcontents. What we see as responsible is not seen the same way by others.

Our position is that, if there is a law/code in place, it should be followed. If it always requires a variance to accomplish something, then perhaps the law should be changed

We also believe that there should not be off-the-cuff interpretations by the chief building and zoning administrator that the zoning board goes along with. I have several instances of that and, when brought to the attention of the appropriate people, totally ignored, or personal attacks are made. I can handle the attacks as they mean nothing other than they prove I am right.

What we see happening, is that whatever a corporation, builder, or contractor wants, they get. If they know someone on the board, the rules don’t seem to apply. I have several examples of that, but I won’t go into specifics at this time.

We are staunch supporters of open government, public involvement, and greater transparency. As you are aware, the lack of transparency in Guilderland is astounding.

I think more and more is coming out about it and, with more town board members who actually care about what the residents of this town want and are concerned about, we may actually see some changes.

Robyn Gray

Chairwoman

Steering committee

Guilderland coalition

For Responsible Growth