When I moved to Rosendale, N.Y. it was October of last year, and the very first person I met was R. Hines, my banjo playing, bee-keeping, keen-to-help-you neighbor.
At the public hearing in June, I fell headfirst into the issue of the proposed development at Williams Lake. When I came out, all I wanted to know was what I can do to protect the natural resources in my community. The lakes are an amazing sight to behold, which should be developed into a public-private conservancy park similar to Yosemite, CA, refurbishing the existing hotel, including a campground so many American families could appreciate the natural beauty.
An exclusive resort that does not guarantee in writing affordable access for the local people of Ulster County and Rosendale to swimming, kayaking and walking the trails would not be a benefit to the people living here. Until 4 years ago the people of this area could swim in the lakes for the less than $500, the price of a joining a gym or YMCA. The health benefits and outdoor recreation of this natural resource must be accessible to all of the people in our community, not only wealthy second home-owners.
But back in June I was so relieved to discover that because live in Rosendale, I have an opportunity to influence what will be built less than 2 miles from my home. We are protected by the zoning laws of Rosendale, and I will fight to make sure that remains so. Many of the things the developer wants to build are outside the zoning lays for a residential zone, and if the laws are going to be rewritten, it should be done by the people affected: Rosendale and Ulster County citizens, not by the developer, who will change the laws designed to protect the people to suit the project.
So, really...
We Gotta Save the Lakes, Good People, you and me.
