Letter from Ellen Pope

‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’

I write in response to the September 4 editorial, “Industry and Housing: If Not Here, Then Where?” which discussed local opposition to several proposed housing and industry projects and asked, if not here, when housing and new business development are in short supply, then where would these projects be welcome?

As with most things in life, the devil is in the details. The projects cited—Bassett’s Averill Road housing project in Cooperstown, the proposed Manocherian subdivision in Otsego and Springfield, the Rehabilitative Support Services housing project in Oneonta, expansion of the Nader Regional Airport, the proposed EcoYotta data center—present very different “solutions” to our affordable housing crisis, transportation, and economic development needs, and raised concerns on different grounds.

The Averill Road housing development, which was to have provided much-needed housing for Bassett employees, and RSS, which was to have provided assistive housing for low-income people with mental health and substance abuse treatment needs in addition to affordable housing, were both defeated by opposition from neighbors who objected to their being built “in their back yards,” or front yards. Yet these are precisely the types of housing that the county really needs and were strongly supported by those who deeply understand what is required for a strong, healthy, and sustainable year-round local economy, including Otsego 2000.

Indeed, Cooperstown has two housing projects moving forward which have received broad support but were not mentioned in the editorial: the Grove studios, one-bedrooms, and townhouses on Grove and Glen, and the Springbrook/Vecino Group’s apartment building at Main and Grove. Both will provide much-needed middle-income housing for local and new residents.

In contrast, the Manocherian subdivision proposal, and the expansion of the Nader Regional Airport to serve more private aircraft, do not meet in any way, shape, or form the housing or transportation needs of the county. Arguably, neither does the proposed data center, which would employ few but demand an enormous energy and water supply and forever change the rural agricultural nature of the zoning district in which it is proposed.

The proposed major subdivision on the west side of Otsego Lake, while only in sketch plan phase, would clearly not be geared toward middle-class families looking for year-round housing given the cost per acre of land close to Otsego Lake, the expense of building a three-bedroom home, digging a well, bringing in electric lines, and putting in septic. Hardly affordable for the average family in Otsego County, where the median household income is $67,000.00. As for the airport, the county struggles to provide adequate public transportation services for its population, yet the expansion of Nader Regional Airport would only serve private and corporate aircraft.

It’s not enough just to say “not in my back yard.” It is critical that we voice what we do want to see in our communities. Here at Otsego 2000, we strongly support housing projects that increase the number of year-round small- and mid-sized apartments, homes, and townhouses that would serve low- to middle-income individuals and families, young people, and retirees. Increasing the housing supply would slow the rate of rent increases, and provide more competition in the rental housing market. To minimize loss of open space, support independent retail, and to build community, housing should be concentrated close to existing villages and hamlets.

How can you make your voice heard? One way to do that is to participate actively in your local municipal board and planning board meetings, and their comprehensive plan process. The Town of Otsego is currently undertaking an update of its 2008 comprehensive plan and welcomes residents’ input: www.townofotsego.com. Other municipalities whose comprehensive plans are more than 10 years old should take a hard look at doing the same. Check your community’s website and read its comprehensive plan. Does it reflect what your community wants? If not, roll up your sleeves and get involved!

Ellen Pope
Executive Director
Otsego 2000