LETTERS OPPOSING THE 425 S. RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT

Please pick up the 8/6 edition of The Gazette. In addition to an interesting letter from Joel Gingold endorsing Sam Watkins for Village Justice (and so much more), there are least three letters opposing the development slated for 425 S. Riverside Ave. The Gazette does not have an online presence but is on sale just about everywhere.

Here is one of the three aforementioned letters---it's from Jessica Dieckman and re-printed with permission BELOW.

Also FYI: THE NEXT PB MEETING IS 8/11. As soon as the agenda is available....

*******

To the BOT, Village Manager and Planning Board,

I’m disappointed to hear the village is considering letting a developer put a massive apartment building across the street from Shop Rite where the children’s gymnastics studio Straddles and several other businesses are located, despite traffic concerns and steep slope laws.

Many Croton children and children from neighboring communities have enjoyed and benefitted from Straddles, which has been there for over 33 years. It’s a Croton asset that’s now on the chopping block for the sake of money and development.

I don’t understand why our village facilitated the installation of a marijuana shop, catering to that particular business’ needs, and now wants to turn its back on a popular gymnastics studio.

It’s disgraceful to see what is going on in Croton. Many long-time and new residents alike feel that the village is very different from what they moved to initially; they feel their town going literally to pot. Over a decade ago CVS stopped selling cigarettes to promote health and well-being. Right after that the BOT allowed the vape shop to open (ironically right next to CVS), a shop which has subsequently been busted several times in sting operations for selling illegal substances. Despite this, and despite how close they are to schools, their permit to operate was renewed.

How about taking a long look in the mirror and saying no to greedy developers, no to drugs and smoking, and yes to long-standing and constructive businesses (like children’s gymnastics)?

I am asking you to change the direction we are going in. Our schools are at capacity, our roads and services can realistically only handle so much. Stop over-developing our tiny village. Prioritize citizens and not developers. Say no to this new project.

There was an approved plan some time around 2018 under the previous owner of 425 South Riverside Avenue to allow 10 apartments to be built above Straddles with Straddles remaining and two store fronts to be added. Why is there a new plan to go grandiose and build this big new building now, minus Straddles, with clear steep slope issues? What happened to the goal of mixed-use buildings like those that house Samurai and Baked By Susan? Historic Hudson Valley’s annual fall Blaze event and the prospect of traffic problems should make this big apartment plan a no go immediately. The Lot A project, with one hundred apartment units, across the street from the train station has not yet even been built.

It’s interesting to note that the mayor and trustees frequently talk about helping small businesses in our area, and how to attract shoppers from nearby towns, yet they neglect to consider what the impact of closing Straddles will have on nearby businesses. Many parents drop off their children for gymnastics and go through the village, shopping at other local businesses. Straddles creates a healthy ecosystem in Croton and is long overdue for some respect and aid from our village government and locals.

As a side note, no one knew that the 7/28 Planning Board meeting was not one that allowed public discussion. It was standing-room only, and most attendees were frustrated we couldn’t speak and share our concerns. Please let the public know exactly when the next meeting will be that will actually allow public comments. This is critical!

I encourage everyone to attend the next village or Planning Board meeting discussing the development of 425 South Riverside Ave.

Sincerely,

Jessica Dieckman