Dunkin’ Donuts, Butterfield Hospital, and Village Priorities
As a resident of Cold Spring for 60 years, I would like to state my opinion and concerns regarding the application for Dunkin’ Donuts on Chestnut Street.
To say I have history here does not begin to cover it. I am certain I will not speak for only myself but for many residents who are like-minded but for whatever reason have decided to remain quiet on this issue. Perhaps they are being politically correct. Perhaps they will come to the Planning Board Meeting and speak.
My grandparents had a grocery store here in 1930. The original Riverview Restaurant was opened by my aunt and uncle; my father was the weekend pizza maker. My children were born at Butterfield Hospital, my family hospitalized there when necessary, and my father died there. My children went to Haldane and so do my grandchildren. Obviously, I have deep roots.
Long-time residents are sometimes blamed for not wanting newcomers. This may stem from the fact that we have had newcomers who have moved in temporarily, because they love the village, then decide what is wrong with it, change it, and then leave. We are then left with cleaning up the mess. There are, however, people who truly do love the village, move in and want to preserve what is here. Some do go overboard. We are a village just like most, with taxes that are too high, with politics that have gone awry. We are not Utopia. But we are unique.
The Historic Board passed the DD design for Chestnut Street. I am not sure why or how that building fits in with any other in the village. They had an opportunity to make the building look and feel as if it belonged in the village and perhaps the chance to change the look of the Foodtown Plaza in the future, but allowed that opportunity to elude them. Then practically in the same breath, they want to preserve a building (Butterfield Hospital) that has been sitting idle and rotting away for years. Where have their voices been for all these years?
Finally, a DD with a drive-thru is not an acceptable business for Cold Spring. The traffic and safety issues and lack of space make this project unworkable. To quote former Mayor Phillips, we are again trying to pack “10 pounds into a 5-pound space.” It cannot be done.
A donut shop, a coffee shop, a convenience store, are all acceptable businesses. Local property owners, business run by local residents: perfect. DD, McDonalds, Burger King: leave them to Route 9. They have no place in small villages as unique and special as we all think Cold Spring is.
If this project passes, we will have a DD for many years. Will it succeed? What will replace it if it does not? How many donuts can a village eat?
I urge the Planning Board, who have been unjustly maligned by the press, to consider all of the facts relevant to the project, and consider carefully before making a determination that could affect the life and aesthetics of this village for a very long time.
Toni Sweet, Cold Spring
Expedite Butterfield Project
On Tuesday, July 31, I attended the Cold Spring Village Board meeting. The Butterfield Project was on the agenda. I was eager to see the revised plan, which was modified from the previous proposals. Overall smaller buildings, more green space and concealed parking. The revised project better reflects the character of our village.
I was especially interested in the building plan to see how it incorporated much-needed county and other local municipal services. As a member of the Putnam County Committee for the Butterfield Project and a member of the County Fiscal Vision and Accountability Commission, I am well versed on our municipal needs. These include a senior citizen/community center and other county services, all to be provided at no additional cost to Philipstown taxpayers. When I asked the developer, Mr. Guillaro, I was told it incorporated enough space for our senior citizens and municipal needs.
This is a promising proposal, which moves us in the right direction. This project must be accelerated. Just as Julia Butterfield did many years ago when she met our community needs, we need to expedite a plan that will meet the needs of our community today. We should never forget the gift, the courage and strength of our town’s matriarch. In her memory we should renew her contributions and name the site in her honor. Julia L. Butterfield Plaza?
Barbara Scuccimarra, Garrison
Trash a Consideration in Dunkin’ Donuts Decision
I have lived in Cold Spring for several years now. During this time I have been picking up trash when I’m out walking simply to keep Cold Spring and Nelsonville looking as beautiful as they already are. I only pick up about 2-3 bags a week but it helps. Most of the trash is little things – just gum wrappers, napkins and straws – but on 9D I get all the big cups, bags and wrappers from McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts that I don’t see in the village. I am always amazed that so much trash from fast-food places in other towns ends up here.
The trash impact of the proposed Dunkin’ Donuts in Cold Spring is something that may or may not matter to many people and probably doesn’t fall under the Planning Board’s remit. Nevertheless, I urge that the potential increase in street refuse be considered as important to the character of Cold Spring.
I know that this is a difficult village decision, given the human issues involved, and hope that everyone who cares will try to find the best answer for the entire community.
Catherine Carnevale
