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YORKTOWN, N.Y. – An anti-Costco group has formed in Yorktown to try and shut down a proposal for the mega-store at 3200 Crompond Road.
The group of citizens, many donning anti-Costco buttons, voiced their concerns over the proposal during the courtesy of the floor portion of Tuesday night’s town board meeting. The group appeared with a large poster featuring the phrase “Costco is not a done deal.”
“I’m concerned that our town is facing a proposed development that will change its very nature forever. And yet most of the town seems unaware of the full impact of this proposed development,” said resident Jim McKean. “This is not a done deal. Far from it. Now is the time to make your voice heard.”
McKean and other speakers urged residents to attend an Oct. 15 public hearing between Costco officials and Yorktown’s Planning Board. The public hearing was set earlier this month and will focus on environmental concerns.
Resident Jennie Sunshine said she is concerned about an increase in storm water runoff affecting an adjacent trout-breeding stream, increased air pollution from more traffic on Route 202 and increased light pollution.
“The environmental impact of a development such as the one envisioned for Costco have severe impacts on the environment that are almost impossible to counter or deal with effectively,” Sunshine said. “I hope that we can rely on you, our elected representatives, to preserve the beauty and safety of our town.”
Town Supervisor Michael Grace held off on specifically commenting about the proposal, as it is currently in the hands of the planning board, though he did offer to privately sit down with the group members.
“I think you’ve made some points, and I think there’s some counter-points that are worthy as well,” he said.
Comments (3)
In my experience having been heavily involved on both the Daily Voice and Patch and witnessing numerous Costco debates pop up, those against Costco are a small organization called Yorktown "Smart Growth" who happen to have active members on these boards. My question is why call themselves Smart Growth when they are opposing a business which could act as an insurance that our community thrives and flourishes that our children and theirs can reside in. Many of them say it would take away from the "image" we want for Yorktown. What image? Right now there is an ugly, empty lot that will likely not be filled for a decade if we chase Costco away. Communities are all about balance. We can easily have small businesses and large businesses like Costco thrive in the same town. That's what community is- diversity! Costco will provide healthy competition that can only cause businesses to "work harder" and thrive even further. Let's embrace this rare opportunity for what it truly is rather than making it look like we are trying to turn Yorktown into town overrun by big corporations.
People complain about the high taxes, yet they also try to stonewall new companies from coming in - which would help offset the taxes, contribute jobs, give back to local schools, etc.
I just don't understand the logic.
Some of these environmental impacts are a stretch, at best. I would assume that the high nitrogen runoff from the nearby Wilkens Farm likely has a higher impact than the alleged storm water drainage. issue And, seriously, light pollution?!! When the BJs center, Cortlandt Town Center and JV mall are nearby, that is a concern worthy of stalling a worthwhile project?
As far as I can see, the only issue with merit is the traffic congestion and road maintenance. Route 202 has been desperate for an overhaul through the proposed section for a very long time. This, more than any of the other "issues" require attention, but I am confident that it can be resolved - and hopefully Costco will foot the bill.
If Yorktown zones properly, we can have business and residential sections co-exist happily. Having large companies in Yorktown brings in revenue, contributes to our local retail options and broadens the area's employment opportunities. Let's stop railroading every large project that gets proposed, and start by determining if our zoning makes sense and establish some more business friendly approaches - because as it stands now, Yorktown is viewed as one of the more business hostile areas of the county (just look at all the vacant commercial square footage we've got).
Take photo's of those against the proposal and if Costco does open add a 25% surcharge to their membership fees when they join. They probably despise Walmart too but sneak in just before closing to grab up those bargains.