"Only the individual who has come to terms with his self can have a dispassionate attitude toward the world."

— Eric Hoffer

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Joan D. Atwood's letter to the Planning Board...

Please keep in mind that Joan D. Atwood wrote this letter BEFORE she knew the size, the shape, the color or the location of the proposed antiques store (the red building at left, above).

Memo to: The Planning Board
From: Joan D. Atwood

Re: Proposed Antique Store on Route 209
Date: April 16, 2006

I am writing this letter to protest the proposed antique store on Route 209.

Let me explain why. For many years I dreamed of my retirement home in the country. I searched and searched and saved and saved to find the perfect location for my home. I found it at 62 Storry Hill Rd. in Kerhonson.

The land is beautiful; it faces the Shawangunk Mountains. It is bordered by Mombacus Creek. We built the house with the entire back consisting of windows so that a view of the mountains would be attainable from all rooms.

Although the land is mainly wetlands, we worked hard and tirelessly planting thousands of dollars of trees and shrubs to make the land a parkland so that when my family came to visit we could all stroll the land. I stroll the land every day myself.

At first when the proposal for the antique store arrived, I mistakenly believed it was to replace the Red Barn already in existence. This structure is the one where the antiques are currently sold.

I would not have objected to that at all.

Repairing and restoring the existing structure seems to be fitting with the philosophy of our town and area.

I later learned from Becky that the proposed antique store was in addition to the Red Barn, rather than a proposal that would have repaired and enhanced the existing structure. The proposed additional building on the premises will in effect continue Route 209's commercialization trend. Is this what we want for our community?

This additional structure will impede my view of the mountain from the house. Not only that, it will obstruct my view completely from the land itself as my family and I go for walks on the property. I object to seeing cars parked in the lot that I will clearly see from my home and land, as well as the potential noise level increase the additional traffic would create, not to mention the increased pollution. Mainly though, I object to the obstruction of the view from both the house and the land.

I moved to this area to live in a peaceful, quiet setting where I could enjoy nature, plant in my gardens and watch the creek and see the mountains. I have taken special care to protect the environment providing wildlife with all sorts of attractive shrubs, trees etc. This has cost me thousands and thousands of dollars.

You are all welcome to come to visit the land to see how carefully and thoughtfully we have worked to beautify the land.

I would hope that any changes that occur within our community will be thoughtfully consistent with the beauty of our area.

As I stated earlier, I would not be opposed to a replacement/upgrade of the red barn already in existence. Doing this would serve two purposes; (1) it will enable the individuals to continue their antique business and (2) will not further commercialize Route 209.

I respectfully submit my objection and hope that my views will seriously be considered. Please contact me if you have any other questions whatsoever.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Joan D. Atwood
62 Stony Hill Road
Kerhonkson, New York 12446
845-626-2257
516-764-2526

Misspellings above belong to Dr. Atwood.

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