To the editor:
The proposed Aldi design looks like crap (excuse the expression). Does the village really want that view to be the entrance to the village? It is time for the planning board to do the job they are supposed to do and not give in to pressure from anyone, including the mayor. If Aldi really wants to come here they will meet whatever design requirements demanded by board. For example, in Freeport, Maine, the McDonald’s building looks like a residence. That was what Freeport said it had to be if they wanted approval. McDonald’s agreed because they wanted to be in Freeport. Walmart has changed its building design in several locations for the same reason.
If Aldi doesn’t want to change I am sure they would be welcomed in Morrisville. Beyond that, a layout that shows three exits onto Route 20 in a 45-mile-an-hour zone is foolhardy. That would be 13 drives exiting onto Route 20 in less than one-half mile. That will be a high accident zone.
In reading the Madison County comments about the project, I think they are more right than wrong. Furthermore, there is a serious question about whether the action of rezoning this property constitutes “spot zoning,” which is defined under state law as rezoning a property for a single property owner and is not legal under state law. The village has a history of doing this starting with the industrial zoning on a single property on Burton Street several years ago.
Gene Smith
Cazenovia
