To the editor:
Responding to “Our View” in the May 18 edition of the Cazenovia Republican, the editor seems confounded as to why anyone could fail to see the overwhelming benefits of development along Route 20. On several of the points made, I’d like to comment: Firstly, the removal of the “blight of a decaying, derelict motel and café. How is that not positive?” I believe the site of another large pharmacy and super market in our midst, not at all resembling the quaint privately owned groceries and pharmacies many of us remember, is truly more repugnant and out of place in our small village.
Secondly, as a real estate salesperson and café-owner, I don’t think the proposed development will increase the appeal of Cazenovia, but rather have the reverse effect. Buyers seek out homes in Cazenovia to get away from the constant reminder that we are increasingly controlled by large corporation interests. The current trend and desire of our residents, both well established and new, is a desire to buy and support local farmers and businesses.
Cazenovia, the quaint village on the lake, is a further drive from Syracuse, but we suffer the somewhat longer commute for our families and for our peace of mind. We know that the mega-stores exist and when we want to make the trip, we do. We have drive-through car washes, Wegmans, and car dealerships just a relatively short drive away. Whatever once was the village of Manlius is now obscured by big stores that have taken over whatever quaint appeal existed at one time. I would hate to see that happen here.
I also take offense to the editor’s suggestion that “there were speakers who opposed the proposal simply to oppose it.” Although I wasn’t at the meeting, those I spoke with who do oppose the project offered sound reasoning and weren’t derelict to express those thoughts coherently.
Pat Carmeli
Cazenovia
