I think we have a curious paradox in New Paltz. On the one hand, our
laws in regard to structures and their nature is restrictive and
prescriptive, mostly for good reasons, even if some of them do create
hardships for owners. On the other hand, whatever is legally possible,
no matter how unwelcome and “harmful” it may be, is allowed to take
place. As a case in point I can name Medusa Antiques on Main Street, or
the towering house on 56/58 Elting Avenue: both are eyesore defacement
of the neighborhood, but not really detrimental to the community.
CVS,
on the other hand, by its intrinsic nature, would be a great hurt for
our community. It is not only traffic, and municipal infrastructure,
and destruction of natural habitats that would be very negatively
affected. It would be economically hurtful to us: after all, we have
Rite Aid Pharmacy which is wonderful; there is a good pharmacy at Stop
and Shop; Dedrick is a local treasure. Most of any “drugstore” items we
can get at Rite Aid, ShopRite, Tops, Dedrick, Convenient Deli, even the
One dollar stores.
WHY to bring another giant retailer here?
Neither the existing venues nor the newcomer would financially benefit,
in fact, I believe that ALL would feel a hurt.
Remember the opposition to WalMart, led by the recently deceased Dave Porter – we won once, we should be able to do it again.
And Five guys? Does our community need ANOTHER purveyor of transfat fare and sweet soft drinks????
Misha Harnick
Publishing history:
New Paltz Times 2/14/19
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