Creating a breathing space

for better planning

To the editor:

We are writing to thank the Bethel Town Board for showing fortitude and leadership in the very important and courageous step they took on June 14, when they made the decision to pass a three-month moratorium on major residential subdivisions. This action, limited in its scope and duration, will allow the town and the newly formed zoning committee the time it sorely needs to address the basic issues it faces during a time of tremendous development pressure, without having to simultaneously entertain new applications.

The community is well aware that the moratorium was controversial to some, but we believe it is the right thing for our town. Taking the time to rewrite our 45-year-old subdivision laws and have them more closely reflect state law is demanded by our comprehensive plan. The moratorium will allow the town to take into consideration the cumulative effect of each development proposal and implement zoning that adequately reflects the goals of the comprehensive plan —a plan that seeks to maintain the distinct country character of our individual hamlets, protect our farmland and our landscape of beautiful lakes, streams and scenic vistas, while at the same time allowing for welcome growth and development.

By considering zoning changes, and other protocols and fees that will serve to balance the effects of necessary and inevitable growth with the needs of a community whose citizens have expressed a strong desire for “smart” growth and the preservation of its character, the town board has eloquently expressed a basic form of democracy. Their wise decision takes into account the interests of the people whom they represent, but also acknowledges that growth is a necessary component for our town’s future.

With citizen participation, the commitment of our town board, a new set of protocols to be implemented in the planning process and the hard, thoughtful work to be done by the zoning committee, we have in place a true model for a town working together toward a better and shared future. Bethel can maintain its identity and allow for the kind of well-planned growth that pleases both its citizens and developers wishing to build in our beautiful town.

Denise Frangipane, Bethel Now!

The NIMBY charge is beside the point

To the editor:

NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) is a phrase we will hear frequently during the days ahead. Both New York Regional Interconnection (NYRI) and the Department of Energy will try to portray us as NIMBYs for opposing the absurd, giant National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.

Although nobody wants a power line in their backyard, NYRI opponents are not NIMBYs. NIMBY implies that we are selfish spoilsports who are standing in the way of national progress. NIMBY implies that we are unpatriotic for opposing a project deemed essential for American prosperity and security.

We are not NIMBYs because there is no greater good being served by the designation of this corridor. There is no “national interest” being served here. The only interests being served are those of greedy corporations like NYRI.

There is a big difference between making a sacrifice for your country and having your home seized for the sake of corporate profits.

Norwich, NY

Roscoe floods hit office for the aging

To the editor:

Sullivan County has hit the news channels with pictures of the devastation from the recent flash flood and reports of loss and people missing. It is time once again for the community to deal with the tragic effects of a freak of nature; this time the one that took place in Roscoe and Delaware County.

The pictures on Channels 2 and 4 show the devastating results that remain. We have seen them many times recently, in many places, and felt so sorry and bad. This time, however, they hit home, have a name and heart-breaking meaning. The sweet young lady who handles so many problems for the aging and needy in Sullivan County by arranging medical transportation, etc., is in need of a ride herself.

Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist at the Sullivan County Office for the Aging, has lost her home, furnishing, all of her belongings and autos—everything—and insurance will not cover a flood. She was not in a flood zone. Also, her mother is among the missing.

In addition, the office is hard hit in her absence, as she is such a multi-task person, and we suggest patience when calling there.

The Office for the Aging is accepting donations in Elaine Finkle’s name to aid in housing, clothing, etc. Donations may be sent in care of Carol Kelly, RSVP Coordinator, to the Sullivan County Office for the Aging, Sullivan County Government Center, PO Box 5012, Monticello, NY 12701.

Taxes and religious freedom

To the editor:

Every once in a while George W. Bush says something that I agree with (in some sense or other) and I do hate to let such occasions—rare as they are —pass by unnoted.

In this case, it has to do with the stem cell research bill. In announcing his intention to veto that legislation, Mr. Bush mentioned that one of his objections was that the bill would “compel American taxpayers” to fund “the taking of human life.” While I disagree with his stand on stem cell research—to me, viability marks the start of a separate human life—I do agree with the principle that no one should be compelled to fund government activities that violate one’s own ethical, moral, or religious beliefs.

Clearly, this is an issue of religious freedom.

I would fully support mechanisms whereby a taxpayer could direct his or her individual tax revenues away from this program. More than enough Americans would favor such research, I believe, to fully fund the program without needing to extort money from unsupportive and unwilling taxpayers—whose beliefs should be respected, however much one may disagree with them.

This principle should be applied more generally. Some may not wish to contribute to government involvement in, say, family planning, gambling, or alcohol marketing; others (Quakers, for example) may wish to avoid paying for warfare or capital punishment. Whatever our religious or ethical beliefs, we should not be forced to lend support, against our wills, to activities that are offenses to our consciences; whether liberal or conservative; as Americans we should all be able to claim this right.

Judging from his words, I would think that even George would have to agree—wouldn’t you?

Honesdale PA