August 13, 2008

Seven years ago, about the time I moved from New York City to Rockland, a comprehensive plan for Ramapo was being drafted. The 200-acre Patrick Farm property was a central theme. Patrick Farm represents nature and open spaces. How this area is developed will affect future development in town. There was hope that Patrick Farm would be bought by the town for parkland. This did not happen. Residents then hoped to maintain the existing 2-acre zoning. Residents were listened to but not heard.

A developer has proposed a project with 1-acre residential at the periphery, with cluster zoning and townhouses in the other areas. This would bring a staggering 497 housing units. Figure out how many people and cars that will bring.

When my 5-year-old granddaughter wanted something and wanted it her way, I suggested a compromise - this was totally rejected. She responded by saying, "I don't like that word." Now at a more worldly point in her life, when told "No,'' she responds: "Let's compromise." It didn't take her long to understand the significance of that word. I don't have to ask the ages of the supervisor or Town Board members, but I do ask: Why isn't this word acceptable to them?

A proposal exists to build a school of religious instruction and dormitory for a site adjoining Patrick Farm, the north side of Babcock Lane - 900 feet west of Route 306.

The pattern of overdevelopment in Ramapo is ecologically unsound, leading to abuse and disregard for our natural resources. If continued, what will be left for future generations?