There, I’ve corrected the headline of the front page article of the 10/24/24 issue of The Reporter.
The article was dictated [“announced”] by Jeff Baker, a lawyer. A lawyer, that is, on the payroll of the “Coalition of Watershed Towns.” Apparently, NYC has/is going to agree to stop buying land in “priority areas three and four...most of Delaware County.” This will make viable land vulnerable to “development,” such as housing “...to address the [alleged] housing shortage faced across the nation.”
Despite this pathetic appeal to “motherhood and apple pie,” not to worry - the housing shortage, such as it is, will be solved after the November election when millions of exiting illegals will free up a commensurate amount of housing. Other such “development” might lend itself to sprawling eyesores like we see along Route 10 between Delhi and Hamden. Or maybe “affordable housing,” subsidized by tax dollars to build, as well as to occupy. Oh, and too bad for the landowners who have lost a deep-pocketed competitor for their properties.
I have never seen a field or woodland that I didn’t like. Nor have I seen a piece of NYC land I didn’t like. And they pay their taxes, and don’t require subsidies from DelCo. In many cases, we can actually access the land. What’s not to like?
Much like the article, my opinion here lacks specific counterpoint. However, I will counter briefly a common saw that “we need more development” - prove it. We function well enough now, and enjoy the aesthetic and material benefits of a virtual rural paradise; “growth” will only cost us all. Not enough wealth here to support a business? Go somewhere where there is. Can’t find the housing you want? Ditto. And if you think we need more jobs, talk to people who need to hire - there are more jobs than takers.
Unfortunately, this looks like a done deal. I’d like to hear from folks other than the CWT, and see their take on this thinking. Meanwhile, the people have been ... violated.
Don Kalibat
DeLancey
