[ DATE ]

Mr. Lee Molyneaux, Chair
And Members of the Planning Board
Kingston City Hall
420 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401

Lee Molyneaux and Members of the Planning Board:

I support revitalization of Kingston's riverfront.

Redevelopment could bring a much-needed boost to the city's
economy and reconnect us to spectacular natural treasures
along the Hudson River.  But "The Landing" proposal is too
massive and generic.  It could burden residents and set us on
a course to damage our rich heritage and future economic
prosperity.

The project could be greatly improved by addressing the
following concerns:

PROJECT TOO LARGE
As currently proposed The Landing is bland, a wall of
undifferentiated housing that would jeopardize 300 years of
architectural and historical distinction.  Even developer
AVR's reduced 1,800-unit "neo-traditional" option misses the
opportunity to connect existing retail and residential
development and overlooks important cultural resources on the
property and in the vicinity.  A 1.5-mile stretch of nearly
nonstop riverfront development would mar the scenic beauty
that inspires us and contributes significantly to tourism and
other economic sectors.  The development should be smaller and
respect and complement Kingston's unique character.

PROJECT WOULD CONSUME SEWAGE TREATMENT CAPACITY, THWART GROWTH
The Landing would push the City of Kingston's sewage treatment
plant to the edge of its capacity - and beyond during peak
periods.  That means a risk of raw sewage overflowing into
Kingston's waterways and that sewage treatment capacity
wouldn't be available for future development.  With additional
sewage from East Kingston and numerous other projects in the
Rondout and uptown, capacity will soon be exceeded with no
room for expansion.

TAXPAYERS SHOULDN'T PAY FOR DEVELOPER COSTS
Kingston taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the tax bill for The
Landing, but that's likely if the city accepts AVR's flawed
economic analysis.  AVR has underestimated the number of
children the proposed development would add to Kingston
schools.  Other proposed developments in the city would
intensify the miscalculation, overwhelming roads, police and
other vital services.  I urge the Kingston Planning Board to
take a hard look at the economics and consider the cumulative
impacts of development proposals.

DON'T SACRIFICE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
The Landing could damage an important aquifer located beneath
the site and harm endangered plants and animals that have
survived despite the property's industrial past.  The proposed
marina would be highly destructive to underwater riverfront
vegetation used by sturgeon and shad.  Development should
happen in less sensitive areas on the property, and everything
possible should be done to preserve forested ridge and other
natural areas for our future.

STOP TRAFFIC FROM RUINING NEIGHBORHOODS
Each day up to 18,000 additional vehicle trips could occur
through quiet neighborhood streets, forcing kids to play
elsewhere and driving residents away from their front yards.
While a planned connection to Route 32 would help alleviate
this influx of cars, AVR should build this direct access at
the beginning of the project to avoid disrupting existing
neighborhoods.

LET EVERYONE EXPERIENCE THE HUDSON'S BEAUTY
We've been cut off from our river for too long.  Let's seize
this opportunity to reclaim our relationship with this
national treasure.  Expand pedestrian and bicycle trails
throughout the site, and make connections to nearby trails and
parks as many successful cities have done.

We deserve a waterfront that respects our environment and
unique heritage.

Thank you for considering these comments.  I sincerely hope
they will be incorporated into the final decision regarding
this project.

Sincerely,
[ Name ]
[ Address ]
[ Phone Number ]
[ E-Mail ]