Compromise not good for state
The current version of Crossroads Ventures' Belleayre plan is very different from the original. It must be re-examined. Too much of the recent process was secret, and the drastically overscaled "compromise" essentially moves the bulk of the problematic construction from the east to the west side, a similarly steep, vulnerable area.
Although local communities are indeed deserving of genuine help, with huge developments like that, the bulk of the money usually flows out, without aiding those most in need. We have been promised the world, but will probably reap only higher taxes, crowded schools, overburdened roads and social services, and the partial destruction of our greatest real asset, the wild, beautiful Catskill landscape.
Years of blasting could damage homes, wells, natural formations and wildlife populations, making the mountain virtually unlivable. Then there are issues of soil stability, unreasonable traffic, stress on roads, and danger to streams and the Pepacton Reservoir.
Wells and springs on Belleayre Mountain often run dry as it is. Certainly, if the water were compromised, the development could not thrive. It would be difficult for residents to remain, not only current permanent and part-time people, but workers at the development who might have relocated to avoid prohibitive commutes. What then?
The effects on the immediate area would be many, but the dependence of other parts of New York on Catskills wilderness and water is well known; the rest of the state cannot ignore what happens on Belleayre Mountain, either.
The fact that some groups have signed on to the revision that was so suddenly sprung on us should not prevent a detailed airing of the new plans and their possible impact on environment and people alike. The problems with the Crossroads proposal have certainly not been solved by this secretively engineered, excessive and imprudent "compromise."
Susan Oyama
Highmount and New York City
Conservatory asset to the area
I was so ecstatic when I found the Shop Talk column on the Joseph L. Popp Jr. Butterfly Conservatory in the Sept. 22-23 edition of The Daily Star.
Many people complain about a lack of places to visit and activities to do in the Oneonta area. This seems especially true for teenagers. However, I think that the Joseph L. Popp Jr. Butterfly Conservatory is a refreshing addition to Oneonta.
Several of my friends, me included, have been to the conservatory and really enjoyed it. Despite the conservatory's small size, especially compared to the Butterfly Conservatory in Ontario, Canada, which I have also been to, it proves to be quite the attraction.
Walking into the conservatory was breathtaking. It was amazing to see all of the butterflies and birds flying all over. The butterflies were so beautiful, and the chameleons, fish and birds were fascinating and interesting. Even the exotic plant wildlife was picturesque. My favorite animals there were the button quails, which were very cute. The staff was very friendly and willing to help or give any information. The butterflies were friendly, too. I had a few land on me during my visit.
I would recommend that everyone visit the Joseph L. Popp Butterfly Conservatory. I think everyone, no matter their age, could enjoy themselves there. I plan on going back soon and taking more of my friends with me.
Thank you for bringing attention to the conservatory. It is a wonderful place and more people should be aware of that.
Brittany Morrissey
Otego
Brittany Morrissey is a senior at Unatego Junior-Senior High School. Morrissey and other students have written letters to the editor as part of Kevin DiBartolomeo's Participation in Government class.
Driver's license change bad idea
To senior "seasoned" citizens: UNITE! If ever there is a time when we "gray beards" must take a stand, now is the time.
Just when you think you have seen it all and our politicians have dropped to a level of stupidity that can't get worse, our beloved governor, Eliot (Idiot?) Spitzer, of our beautiful state has seen fit to give illegal aliens in New York state the RIGHT to get driver's licenses!
As we all know our driver's license is one of the legal documents that may be used for just about anything, including getting jobs and passports.
You and I have got to do something about this, and we can. Take a minute and call the governor's office and tell him that this is a VERY BAD idea. If you want terrorists in your backyard, just do nothing. If you want your voice heard, drop a line to: Governor Spitzer, State Capital, Albany, NY 12224.
They recalled the governor of California for something similar. Now, as time goes by, that might not be a bad idea here.
I would like to say more but my blood pressure machine just popped a gusset.
Henry Geerken
Worcester
Let illegals serve in military
I think I can kill two birds with one stone. Since our military is stretched so thin and there are 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States, why doesn't the government have them step up and serve this country for four years and let them show us that they truly love this country? They will have free room and board, three meals a day and clothing. Then when they get out, they can become U.S. citizens.
The ACLU cannot intervene because as illegals they don't have any civil liberties. If I get caught in your backyard, I'd be arrested for trespassing, but I guess you're not trespassing if you are here illegally.
If someone can tell me why we can't do this, please let me know.
Bob Tamburello
Burlington Flats
We must take government back
Applause to the Delaware County supervisors! In our system of government, the founders' intent was to have the strongest government the closest to the people (local) and the weakest the furthest (federal). That concept has been turned upside down in recent times.
The governor's idea to give driver's rights to illegal immigrants is absurd. Take the government back folks, before it is too late.
Don Michel
Cape Neddick, Maine
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