As a Highland resident for 15 years, I am very concerned about the number of large development projects that are currently being considered for the Town of Highland. After attending the last few Planning Board meetings, I am disappointed since it appears that the taxpayers’ and residents’ concerns are not being taken seriously, and the various town boards seem very supportive of the developers and not the town residents. After attending two public hearings on proposed projects, I left each meeting feeling that the meetings were perhaps contrived and the decisions had already been made. I understand that development is needed, but I have serious concerns about the type of development that is being considered for our community. It seems there is a rush to approve large, oversized development projects that will change the landscape and character of this town permanently. I wish the town was more concerned with smart development and would listen to the valid concerns of the taxpayers.

I was shocked to see the size of this development, “The Villages of the Hudson Valley,” proposed for Route 9W across from Hannaford’s. This project is being considered in the Gateway to our town? I’m surprised and very disappointed that this project has gotten this far, and based on what I have observed at recent meetings, I feel this will be approved and variances will be quickly issued, the developer will return to Florida, and we will be left with the negative impacts of this development.

I wish the town government would listen to the concerns of the taxpayers instead of accommodating the developers. Once trees are removed and areas cleared, it is permanent. It seems that the decisions being made are short-sighted and with long-lasting ramifications.