THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, THIS LAND IS MY LAND

Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 8:13 AM
Subject: Walmart

We (4 voters at this residence) are also against having a Wal-Mart in Alden.
My reasons are based partially on the points made previously , but also because I
am against any development that destroys good agricultural land.
It does not matter if the land is being farmed now, but at some point in the future, everyone will suddenly realize that we can't feed ourselves in this country.
Once agricultural and forested land is made into house lots, roads, plazas, etc., it will never be able to be reclaimed.

It is unfortunate that too few people recognize that "undeveloped" land is a resource for the future, and not a plum for greed and development.
Perhaps it should be a requirement that any development that involves building houses, roads,
stores, etc, on land suited for crops, will involve a large (50% or more of the property value) contribution to
the town for the purchase of development rights on the remaining farm land and undeveloped land in the town.


To add to the points that you bring up in your flier:

Do the VOLUNTEER first responders in our town, have the manpower and equipment available to handle a large retail complex?
Does any developer or the town board have the right to "assume" that the volunteer fire and first aid crews WANT expand their exposure to more calls, and more difficult situations?

Jim Guarino