To the Editor:

It seems to me, if the town of Guilderland can buy a restaurant (with a golf course), then the village of Voorheesville can buy a restaurant (without a golf course).  With Smith’s Tavern in Voorheesville, there’s not a lot of land involved but there is a trout stream that’s worth protecting.  It would be a far less expensive deal.

Voorheesville certainly does not need two competing gas stations side-by-side. The Mobil station has been for many years a good friend and responsible village business that deserves to stay in business.

Years ago, Altamont found a way to withstand a movement to pave over the park by the train station.  It took several decades, but the train station was also saved at a great cost with a lot of volunteer efforts, work, and donations.  The building is priceless and in the heart of the village.

Likewise, Smith’s Tavern is similar in many ways.  It will take the same kind of effort by the people of Voorheesville if they really want to thwart Stewart’s plans to expand, and lose a village treasure forever.  

Remember.  After all: Smitty’s? That’s where Voorheesville is.

Ed Cowley

Altamont