“I read with interest the article entitled “Cleanup to begin at former gas station County, state approve deal to remediate site” that appeared in the August 13, 2009 edition of the Daily Gazette. I was encouraged to learn that the state will be demolishing the dilapidated structure located at the intersection of Routes 7 & 20 and remediating the environmental issues that plague the parcel. These actions are long overdue and are welcomed by the community.
As a Duanesburg resident, I am concerned, however, about the proposed plan to locate a Sheriff substation on the 0.14 acre triangular shaped site and by the reported lack of communication between those in county government, the Duanesburg town board and the Schenectady County Sheriff’s department about the latest proposed property use.
The plan to raze the building and remove the contaminated soil was reportedly discussed between town officials and Metroplex Chairman Gillen over the past three to four years. Because of the small irregular shaped lot size, the required setbacks, and the desire for visibility at the intersection, the use proposed by town officials was for a veterans’ memorial park to honor those from the Town of Duanesburg who served their nation.
Last year, our town board prepared architectural and engineering plans for an expansion to the town hall to accommodate a substation. I understand that these plans were developed with inputs from then Sheriff Buffardi and Under-Sheriff Gordon Pollard. The resulting cost estimates, however, rendered the project as impractical without financial support to be provided by Schenectady county. The decision to defer the discretionary project during the economic recession was, in my opinion, fiscally prudent.
The town hall location, nearly 1 mile west on Route 7, provides greater acreage for construction of the facility and the additional parking required. The collocation would provide for enhanced security of town officials and the public during Town Court sessions and at town board public meetings. The location will provide for safer ingress/egress and will allow for future modification to the already congested Route 7 & 20 intersection as increasing traffic volume dictates. A decision regarding the location of a Sheriff’s Department substation should consider the views, preferences, and current and future needs of the community that it serves.
Brad Littlefield
Duanesburg, NY”
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Schenectady Daily Gazette 21 December 2009.