A Cracker Barrel would be an excellent idea. It would be neat if they could use the same old farm house too. I like the Cracker Barrel. Food is good and I like the atmosphere.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
EDITORIALS Another truck stop not needed at Exit 25A
A big mystery in Rotterdam in recent weeks was who bought the old Crounse farm site on Route 7, off Thruway Exit 25A, and what does he intend to use it for? We now know for sure that the new owner is a truck stop operator, as suspected. If the intended use is a truck stop, town officials shouldn’t allow it. And, fortunately, they do not want to or have to, since the land is zoned agricultural. Ideally it would remain agricultural, but if it must be developed, it should be for a higher and better use. The 24-acre site contains a big old barn and handsome 19th century brick home — neither in the greatest of shape. But both are salvageable; old farmsteads like this are being bought and restored all over the Hudson Valley, by locals looking for a more rural lifestyle and/or unique business setting, as well as by rich New York City residents looking for weekend retreats. In fact, Rotterdam’s rural neighbors, Duanesburg and Princetown, are growing in population, thanks to easy access to the Thruway and I-88 and a quick commute to Schenectady, Albany or even Rensselaer County. The new residents are drawn by the scenic beauty and slower pace of life — and want to keep it that way. Duanesburg recently ended a moratorium on development and has completed a comprehensive plan based on smart-growth principles; Princetown is working on the same kind of plan. The concern about the truck stop comes from the fact that the buyer was Flying J Inc., a Utahbased company that owns and operates more than 200 truck stops across the country. Town and county officials find it mystifying that Flying J would have bought the parcel for $3 million, when it has no water or sewer, would need a zone change, and there is already a truck stop directly on the other side of the exit. They also say they don’t like the prospect of additional truck traffic on a stretch of road that already has plenty of it, with the Price Chopper warehouse and Rotterdam Industrial Park just up the street — especially when the Schalmont school campus is almost directly across from the site. But what they really don’t like is that they have bigger plans for the site than a truck stop. When Cabela, the giant sporting goods outfitter, was looking for a site in the Capital Region, this was the one that Metroplex showed them. Town leaders envision it as a business park. Such uses, of course, would require a zoning change and sewer and water service — which the town is working with private investors to create. This is a lovely, historic property, visible from I-88 and the first thing motorists see when entering town from the west. We’d prefer to see it remain as open space, either through purchase or a conservation easement, with the barn and house rehabilitated and reused. But that doesn’t seem to be in the cards, with the property now in corporate hands and Rotterdam officials (like those in most places) willing to give up open space in return for jobs and tax revenues. Here, they at least have the sense to hold out for lots of them.
The 24-acre site contains a big old barn and handsome 19th century brick home — neither in the greatest of shape. But both are salvageable; old farmsteads like this are being bought and restored all over the Hudson Valley, by locals looking for a more rural lifestyle and/or unique business setting, as well as by rich New York City residents looking for weekend retreats.
Perhaps the author of this Letter to the Editor overlooked the location of Interstate 88 behind the property and Route 7, with its high traffic count, at the front. I don't believe that there are many who are "looking for a more rural lifestyle" or "rich New York City residents looking for weekend retreats" who would have interest in purchasing and restoring this property given the traffic and road noise that envelope it. The location of this parcel, with its close proximity and access to main thoroughfares, makes it prime real estate for business.
Perhaps the author of this Letter to the Editor overlooked the location of Interstate 88 behind the property and Route 7, with its high traffic count, at the front. I don't believe that there are many who are "looking for a more rural lifestyle" or "rich New York City residents looking for weekend retreats" who would purchase and restore this property given the traffic and road noise that envelope it. The location of this parcel, with its close access to main thoroughfares, makes it prime real estate for business.
I think they're saying they don't want THIS business.
I think they're saying they don't want THIS business.
Quoted Text
This is a lovely, historic property, visible from I-88 and the first thing motorists see when entering town from the west. We’d prefer to see it remain as open space, either through purchase or a conservation easement, with the barn and house rehabilitated and reused.
Understood, but don't use the argument that it should continue to be zoned agricultural and/or used as retreat. The author expresses his preference that the land remain as open space. Given its value and prime location for commercial development, I think that this is an unrealistic and unreasonable expectation.
The town wants to be very selective about what business they will let develop in that area. Ifr Flying J pushes the issue to build there it'll be a fight just like when Walmart wanted to build on Burdeck St.
Understood, but don't use the argument that it should continue to be zoned agricultural and/or used as retreat. The author expresses his preference that the land remain as open space. Given its value and prime location for commercial development, I think that this is an unrealistic and unreasonable expectation.
Just like Central Park????
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Understood, but don't use the argument that it should continue to be zoned agricultural and/or used as retreat. The author expresses his preference that the land remain as open space. Given its value and prime location for commercial development, I think that this is an unrealistic and unreasonable expectation
I agree with you HOWEVER, do we really need another truck stop there? I mean there is a truck stop right there already. Clearly not as large, but it is quite sufficient. I agree that the area should not remain agricultural and I will bet the farm (no pun intended) that the zoning will obviously change over time. But another truck shop? I would have to say 'no' to that.
Someone mentioned a Cracker Barrel. Great idea! Get some upscale specialty shops. God only knows that Rotterdam can use 'something' upscale! Rt 7 already has Price Chopper and the Industrial Park on one end with a proposed McLanes Distribution center on the other. And smack dab in the middle is Schalmont High School. Rotterdam clearly does not want that corridor to be strickly industrialized. I also say 'no' to Flying J's.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I agree with you HOWEVER, do we really need another truck stop there? I mean there is a truck stop right there already.
Bumble,
I wasn't suggesting that a truck stop is the correct use for this parcel. That ultimately must be determined by market research and by the Board and the residents of the Town of Rotterdam (which I am not). My point is that the location of the parcel on heavily travelled Route 7 and with easy access to I-88 and the NYS Thruway is prime real estate for a commercial entity. I can think of several uses that I would also prefer over another truck stop. I hope for the residents sake that it is developed responsibly so that it enhances the area.
I don't believe that those who suggest that it continue to be zoned agricultural, those who advocate that it be retained as open space or those who suggest that the buildings be renovated for use as a "retreat" are realistic in their expectations. The location offers no peaceful serenity to support a private residence, a bed and breakfast or a park. Nor will it likely ever be farmed.
This is a lovely, historic property, visible from I-88 and the first thing motorists see when entering town from the west. We’d prefer to see it remain as open space, either through purchase or a conservation easement, with the barn and house rehabilitated and reused
.First of all, this was an editorial for the gazette, by the gazette. But I would like to know who 'WE'D' is! Does 'WE'D' live in Rotterdam? Is 'WE'D' a special interest group, or belong to some stupid committee? And who is 'WE'D' representing here? Names please!
I don't think a Flying J's is a perfect match for that area, but clearly a historical, town/county owned, taxpaying building is surely not the answer. Rotterdam is looking to increase it's tax base, not add to our tax burden!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Planning Commission adopts McLanes Final Environmental Impact Statement this evening. Flying J truck stop has plans out for a sports store, market and truck stop. "Rotterdam NY, A Nice Place to Truck (I mean live)! Thank you Town Board members!
BUT--we will all be(I mean feel) safer when that national Real ID card/drivers license gets issued for all those migrant truckers carrying hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants that can now drive but on a lettuce pickers salary cant afford a car....ha ha ha ha ha
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
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