To the editor:

I am concerned about the idea of annexation for the purpose of building an Aldi grocery store and additional facilities on Route 20 in Cazenovia and feel that the overall impacts of the development would be detrimental for our community.

Cazenovia should be supporting a compact, walkable community, not promoting urban sprawl. Our focus should be on strengthening the village center and it would be a mistake to allow the ease and financial gain associated with urban sprawl to conflict with the goals and objectives identified in Cazenovia’s Comprehensive Plan. In addition to the Comprehensive Plan, the town and village worked together on a Climate Action Plan that was completed in 2015. Recommendations (approved by both municipal boards) emphasize the need for a well-connected community that supports smart growth and infill development for the reuse of underutilized buildings. The potential for further retail vacancies in the village center and at the Tops plaza is cause for concern.

The village gateway (and any consideration for urban development) should blend with the overall community architecture and be representative of our historic focus. New development in Cazenovia should follow the national standards established by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which provides recommendations for community growth and sustainability. LEED for Neighborhood Development is an excellent resource that provides guidelines for features such as shared and off-street parking, permeable pavement, sustainable stormwater management infrastructure, water efficient landscaping and other characteristics that align with smart growth principles. These features are not adequately represented in the Aldi design.

I would like to encourage the town and village to consider slowing the timeline for a decision regarding annexation, as the process appears to be evolving at an unusually rapid pace. The tendency for “spot annexation” to fill short-term municipal needs is a common mistake and one that Cazenovia should work hard to avoid. 

ANNE SALTMAN

Cazenovia