I commute through Plattekill several days each week on my way to and from work. One of the things I appreciate is the rural character of that community. There is very little traffic or congestion compared to the town in which I live. I enjoy the scenery and wildlife. It’s a real treat seeing bald eagles flying above or perched near Fazio’s. I feel more relaxed once I reach Ardonia and as I drive through Plattekill/Modena. I experience none of the headaches of gridlock, aggressive inconsiderate drivers, or the dangers of maneuvering in traffic with huge box trucks and 18 wheelers. Since I am neither rushed nor stressed, I feel more peaceful and take my time enjoying stopping at some of the local businesses like Fazio’s for a bite to eat, Hannaford for groceries, and the Plattekill Library to pick up a good book to read.

I fear this will all change if the proposed Mega Warehouse is approved. The local roads that I traverse often like Routes 44/55, 32, and 208 were not built for regular tractor trailer traffic. In most places, the roads are too narrow for even pedestrians or people riding bicycles. I don’t see how trucks will have enough room to make turns unless they go into the on-coming traffic. That would be a serious hazard to other vehicles on the roads.

A Mega Warehouse of this size belongs where the infrastructure is designed to accommodate wide turns and truck traffic – near major highways like the NYS Thruway, Route 84, or Route 17. It should not be constructed in a small residential community. It is not “light industrial.”

If built, this would certainly negatively impact my commute. The Plattekill Planning Board and Town Board should deny the application for the Mega Warehouse. To learn more, get involved, and stay informed, join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/StopTheMegaWarehouse and sign the petition opposing the Mega Warehouse at www.change.org/p/halt-the-construction-of-a-massive-warehouse-in-modena.