"But
at least if there has to be growth, we want it to be smart
growth,
sustainable growth, with as little negative impact on the environment
as possible."
[Read
the full NY Times Article]
In May of 2004, the 8 leading
environmentalists and Smart Growth advocates from across Putnam
County came together
to form the Putnam Smart Growth Alliance, a 501(c)(4)
organization, to educate the residents of Putnam County on all
aspects of regional growth and development that promotes and maintains
a high quality of life across the Highlands region.
Alliance President Lynne Eckardt
said, "So
much growth to me is regional now. We feel all the planning is
affecting the entire region, not just Southeast, not just Putnam
Valley."
Says Jerry Ravnitzky, president of Concerned
Residents of Carmel and Mahopac, "Until now, developers come
forth with plans, and residents are battling that until the next
battle comes along, there's
got to be a much better way than that."
Allan Golden of Somers said, "It has become
so clear that all of the growth, planning, environmental and sustainability
issues that concern so many of us are regional in nature, even
if they do occur in someone's physical backyard. Protection of
our vital natural resources, especially in such a prime watershed
region, is of the utmost importance; and all of the related issues quality
of life, preserving rural and semi-rural characteristics, lowering
taxes, eliminating sprawl, curbing development, and so on take
on an entirely new significance when viewed regionally."
In furtherance of this purpose, the organization
may endorse political candidates who we believe will assist and
promote the causes of the organization and to lobby for sustainable
development or other social causes. Learn more about
us.
152
Peaceable Hill Road Brewster,
New York 10509 Email The Putnam Smart Growth Alliance is a 501(c)(4) Organization
