Letter from Will Rivera

‘Wrong Kind of Change’

At the August 13 Oneonta Town Board meeting, joined by concerned neighbors, I delivered a petition opposing the demolition of the historic Emmons Farmhouse and the rezoning of its site for a Stewart’s Shops gas station and convenience store.

I organized the petition after hearing concerns from residents and told the board that the project threatens traffic safety, erases a historic property, and puts green space and the environment at risk, all in favor of outside corporate interests.

This isn’t about rejecting change, it’s about rejecting the wrong kind of change. The people of Oneonta deserve development that strengthens our neighborhoods, honors our history, and keeps us safe. We will not let outside money decide the future of our town.

My petition outlines key concerns:

• Traffic safety: The site sits at one of the most dangerous intersections in the area.
• Historic loss: Demolition would erase the Emmons Farmhouse, a key part of the community’s heritage.
• Environmental risks: Increased fuel storage and runoff could threaten local water sources.
• Sprawl: The project promotes corporate expansion over locally driven, adaptive reuse development.

I urged the board to explore alternative uses for the property, such as repurposing existing structures for locally-owned businesses that reflect community needs.

We can do better than this. Oneonta’s future should be built with and for the people who live here, not dictated by corporate convenience.

The petition, now part of the public record, reflects the voices of dozens of residents who say the proposal fails to align with the town’s designation as a “Pro-Housing Community” by New York State.

Will Rivera
Oneonta