Letter to the Editor: Consider the Benefits to the Proposed Project at Yorktown’s Soundview Site
There are so many negative comments about the project proposed for the Soundview Preparatory School site.
It will increase traffic; we already have traffic. This developer’s plan is to enhance the traffic flow at Route 118 and Underhill Avenue. We can use that.
Residents are under the impression the beautiful main building will be destroyed. This building is going to be saved in its 19th century style. They plan to organize the interior and open it up to Yorktown residents. The interior architecture of this building is magnificent. It will be saved for residents to enjoy, be it a café, a museum or a meeting place. Everyone is worried about this, but how many have actually been in that building?
There is concern over the other structures on the property; again, who has actually seen these structures? They are mostly dilapidated, mold infested and a liability.
The plan, as presented, shows three types of community living for seniors – townhouse living, condominiums and rentals. This provides nice housing diversity for our seniors and their lifestyles. Allowing them to stay in the town they want to stay in; bringing in millions of real estate tax dollars; continuing to shop in our stores; and having no effect on our school system, which has been another concern.
The property will still have plenty of trees and will conserve the main building with its history. Yorktown has many old structures that were once home to residents from the 1800s that are now utilized as businesses. It’s “Progress with Preservation.” We need to grow. The traffic is not going to go away. Let that traffic stop and shop and visit some of the history we have to offer. Let’s get that additional tax revenue, fix our infrastructure and help our schools.
Get the facts on the growth from all sides, not just the negative from those that do not want to see this town grow and move forward.
Jennie Menton
Yorktown
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