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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.
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