Keep bringing these things to light, Will. Municipal decisions like this, which seem to favor thoughtless development or expansion over strategic urban planning, have contributed to the rise in NIMBYism. And rightly so. We can and must do better.
Will wrote: “Company executives have agreed to contribute to the cost of putting in a turn lane off Sherman Avenue onto Glen Street, but that’s something they need for traffic flow into and out of the new store.”
When redesigning the intersection, pedestrian and cyclist safety must be a priority, in addition to traffic flow.
I don’t live in Glens Falls but visit at least once a week to dine or shop and feel invested in the town’s success. It’s unfortunate to read that the mayor took your question so lightly. Surely he knows if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I would hate to see that happen.
My suggestion for this site is to place the new building close to the corner with a sidewalk entrance in keeping with a more urban environment than most Stewart’s shops.
Tearing down the 2 residential buildings seems unnecessary, and part of the existing parking lot on Sherman could be developed as a small multi unit apartment building.
I’ve wondered that Stewart’s hasn’t expanded its efficient design and construction department into doing multi unit housing providing homes for customers and perhaps workers close to appropriate shops.
It is the opposite. I tried to get the Council and the PB to put the store in the corner close to where pedestrians could reach it (and away from the remaining residences) but Stewart’s won out over the citizens.
Mike is totally correct. Stewart's seems to have "cookie-cutter" shops that all look fairly similar. In a small city or rural, they all look almost identical. Heck, they don't even need a sign out front and you could tell it was a Stewart's Shop. What a tragedy NOT to have their shops fit in with a neighborhood. In a small city, they should build at the edge of the sidewalk with pumps and parking at the rear. Also, in a place like Glens Falls, either they or another building owner, should build it as a 4 story structure. Stewart's on the ground floor, pumps and parking to the rear, apartments above with tenement parking in a "key card" accessible parking lot on the side. Price Chopper did something like this in Saratoga on Railroad Place (minus gas pumps) and the building looks great. Except for the one block from the circle on Glen and Ridge to Maple Street (and maybe South Street), the business area of GF isn't looking so great.
A comprehensive plan for development is absolutely necessary. Even looking at the city charter is a worthwhile endeavor to ensure that Glens Falls is growing and developing in the most desirable way. I know some city officials, such as Councilwoman Diana Palmer have been calling for a comprehensive plan but there seems to be some resistance from others, which I think you clearly highlighted!
I like the mix of old and new architecture in GF. There is room for both. Not every “old” building is interesting and some are too dilapidated to recover. I also champion the Stewart’s corporation. Look what they achieved at the Ridge Street location.
The Ridge Street location is great, but it replaced the old Time Warner building that was an eyesore, not housing. Much of what makes the Ridge Street store appealing is due to input from the immediate community at numerous meetings. Stewart's is a good corporation and I can accept the need to make improvements, but I will place blame on the city's administration for the lack of foresight. Why does it feel like our council members don't know about the plans until they have been pushed through the majority of the process? I also resent how the mayor seemingly blew off Will's question. What will this administration's legacy be?
Maybe City planning board members best serve the community when, among other attributes, they are possessed of: an appreciation of, and an interest in preserving, local history; a mindfulness of existing architectural aesthetics and complementing it when considering developer plans for new structures; love for their city and fellow citizens; a conscience.
I live in Cortland where the same ugly depersonalized development is happening. Just replace Stewart’s with Byrne. The powers-that-be have no motivation to lift people up with better housing in family friendly neighborhoods characterized by fewer slum landlords fueling drug and crime problems. Stewart’s/Byrne/Mirabito/etc. pay their taxes and that soothes the nerves and wallets of city government unwilling to see or do anything to improve quality of life for all of its residents, especially those who live in the older, poorer parts of town.
In the year 2024, Stewarts should be putting in electric chargers if they are expanding at all. The original IPCC report on climate came out in 1990, and all those who profit or distribute fossil fuels have known the risks to which they are contributing. We don't need expansion of any fossil fuel infrastructure. We've had 30+ years to phase this dangerous energy source out. Stop granting permits to build out new fossil fuel infrastructure. Mr. Dake knows. Philanthropy is hardly matching the long-term damage.
...excellent point; "in this day and age" charging stations should be pro forma requirements, for every new and expanding Stewart's Shop-type business- and others, by every municipality planning board...
Thank you Will for continuing to bring up this important topic.
Upon reading this I was taken aback (shocked really)
that there is no comprehensive plan. I just figured that every town, city, county has one; that it was a requirement for good governance. It appears that only recently one has been put in motion. See Diana Palmer's, (ward 3 counselor) excellent essay about her efforts to establish one. A grant has been awarded and at long last the creation of a comprehensive plan is in process. Public meetings will be held as the plan progresses.
Somewhat contradictory essay, Will. (Kinda like life, right?) We need more affordable housing but we cringe at the ugliness of the box shaped buildings that offer low cost apartments. Aesthetically pleasing architecture that provides shelter for our residents is possible. But you’re right. A comprehensive plan is needed. I wonder if some of the Biden Harris infrastructure dollars could fund hiring a top notch firm to help the community achieve this goal.
Not to break the echo chamber but... the demolition of two houses for an expanded local company (which buys tons of milk from local farms) is an outrage to most here. Meanwhile, a project to add dozens of units across the street is generating fierce opposition. Wish people would pick an argument and stick with it. The snobbery - including anti-homeless comments found below - is breathtaking.
Ideally this is where the planning comes in. Identifying issues, balancing the benefits and costs of each and laying out the best possible path forward. Without overlooking the less fortunate. Being homeless was surely no one’s life plan.
It is possible both to appreciate Stewart's as a company and to prioritize housing in the city over larger Stewart's shops. It is also possible to want to preserve and expand housing in Glens Falls and also want to preserve the city's history and its charm. It is acceptable to set some standards for housing and ask that developers follow city laws and do what they say they are going to do.
I have not seen any snobbery or anti-homeless comments here. People deserve respect and homeless people have a right to hang out in City Park like anyone else. But they don't have a right to strew trash around the park, which from my observations, is happening.
I absolutely agree! Now we lose 2 more lovely homes to gas pumps and homeless hanging out. I just don't know what to say. I'm beyond disappointed.
Keep bringing these things to light, Will. Municipal decisions like this, which seem to favor thoughtless development or expansion over strategic urban planning, have contributed to the rise in NIMBYism. And rightly so. We can and must do better.
Will wrote: “Company executives have agreed to contribute to the cost of putting in a turn lane off Sherman Avenue onto Glen Street, but that’s something they need for traffic flow into and out of the new store.”
When redesigning the intersection, pedestrian and cyclist safety must be a priority, in addition to traffic flow.
Yes yes yes!!
I don’t live in Glens Falls but visit at least once a week to dine or shop and feel invested in the town’s success. It’s unfortunate to read that the mayor took your question so lightly. Surely he knows if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I would hate to see that happen.
So glad you are paying attention to this. I wonder where all the people who work at those Stewarts shops live?
Stewart’s is a great local company.
My suggestion for this site is to place the new building close to the corner with a sidewalk entrance in keeping with a more urban environment than most Stewart’s shops.
Tearing down the 2 residential buildings seems unnecessary, and part of the existing parking lot on Sherman could be developed as a small multi unit apartment building.
I’ve wondered that Stewart’s hasn’t expanded its efficient design and construction department into doing multi unit housing providing homes for customers and perhaps workers close to appropriate shops.
Pretty sure the plan is just the opposite and to put the building at the back of the lot and leave more room for parking and gas pumps.
It is the opposite. I tried to get the Council and the PB to put the store in the corner close to where pedestrians could reach it (and away from the remaining residences) but Stewart’s won out over the citizens.
Mike is totally correct. Stewart's seems to have "cookie-cutter" shops that all look fairly similar. In a small city or rural, they all look almost identical. Heck, they don't even need a sign out front and you could tell it was a Stewart's Shop. What a tragedy NOT to have their shops fit in with a neighborhood. In a small city, they should build at the edge of the sidewalk with pumps and parking at the rear. Also, in a place like Glens Falls, either they or another building owner, should build it as a 4 story structure. Stewart's on the ground floor, pumps and parking to the rear, apartments above with tenement parking in a "key card" accessible parking lot on the side. Price Chopper did something like this in Saratoga on Railroad Place (minus gas pumps) and the building looks great. Except for the one block from the circle on Glen and Ridge to Maple Street (and maybe South Street), the business area of GF isn't looking so great.
A comprehensive plan for development is absolutely necessary. Even looking at the city charter is a worthwhile endeavor to ensure that Glens Falls is growing and developing in the most desirable way. I know some city officials, such as Councilwoman Diana Palmer have been calling for a comprehensive plan but there seems to be some resistance from others, which I think you clearly highlighted!
The good old boys club still rules.
I like the mix of old and new architecture in GF. There is room for both. Not every “old” building is interesting and some are too dilapidated to recover. I also champion the Stewart’s corporation. Look what they achieved at the Ridge Street location.
The Ridge Street location is great, but it replaced the old Time Warner building that was an eyesore, not housing. Much of what makes the Ridge Street store appealing is due to input from the immediate community at numerous meetings. Stewart's is a good corporation and I can accept the need to make improvements, but I will place blame on the city's administration for the lack of foresight. Why does it feel like our council members don't know about the plans until they have been pushed through the majority of the process? I also resent how the mayor seemingly blew off Will's question. What will this administration's legacy be?
They did a great job with landscaping and its proximity to the bike trail makes it a great stopping off point for ice cream or a drink.
Thank you Will for your great reporting on the new building developments in Glens Falls!
I appreciate your keen eye, your informative writing and your passion for the Glens Falls community.
You are so right that we need more official guidelines to help determine how Glens Falls will grow and develop.
Until we do there will always be developers like Patten who see Glens Falls ripe for the taking!!
Maybe City planning board members best serve the community when, among other attributes, they are possessed of: an appreciation of, and an interest in preserving, local history; a mindfulness of existing architectural aesthetics and complementing it when considering developer plans for new structures; love for their city and fellow citizens; a conscience.
I live in Cortland where the same ugly depersonalized development is happening. Just replace Stewart’s with Byrne. The powers-that-be have no motivation to lift people up with better housing in family friendly neighborhoods characterized by fewer slum landlords fueling drug and crime problems. Stewart’s/Byrne/Mirabito/etc. pay their taxes and that soothes the nerves and wallets of city government unwilling to see or do anything to improve quality of life for all of its residents, especially those who live in the older, poorer parts of town.
In defense of Byrne, those huge sandwiches are fantastic!
In the year 2024, Stewarts should be putting in electric chargers if they are expanding at all. The original IPCC report on climate came out in 1990, and all those who profit or distribute fossil fuels have known the risks to which they are contributing. We don't need expansion of any fossil fuel infrastructure. We've had 30+ years to phase this dangerous energy source out. Stop granting permits to build out new fossil fuel infrastructure. Mr. Dake knows. Philanthropy is hardly matching the long-term damage.
...excellent point; "in this day and age" charging stations should be pro forma requirements, for every new and expanding Stewart's Shop-type business- and others, by every municipality planning board...
Off topic : Why does no one make Mr. Shabbat adhere to code? His buildings on South Street are dilapidated. Used restaurant equipment in an alleyway.
Great point and they have been that way for decades.
Thank you Will for continuing to bring up this important topic.
Upon reading this I was taken aback (shocked really)
that there is no comprehensive plan. I just figured that every town, city, county has one; that it was a requirement for good governance. It appears that only recently one has been put in motion. See Diana Palmer's, (ward 3 counselor) excellent essay about her efforts to establish one. A grant has been awarded and at long last the creation of a comprehensive plan is in process. Public meetings will be held as the plan progresses.
https://www.glensfallschronicle.com/ward-3s-diana-palmer-this-is-why-glens-falls-needs-a-comprehensive-plan/
This sounds like someone who is on the ball and concerned about this city! I hope she isnt prevented from going forward.
Somewhat contradictory essay, Will. (Kinda like life, right?) We need more affordable housing but we cringe at the ugliness of the box shaped buildings that offer low cost apartments. Aesthetically pleasing architecture that provides shelter for our residents is possible. But you’re right. A comprehensive plan is needed. I wonder if some of the Biden Harris infrastructure dollars could fund hiring a top notch firm to help the community achieve this goal.
The Patten apartment projects I've criticized aren't low-cost. If they were, I'd be more understanding.
Not to break the echo chamber but... the demolition of two houses for an expanded local company (which buys tons of milk from local farms) is an outrage to most here. Meanwhile, a project to add dozens of units across the street is generating fierce opposition. Wish people would pick an argument and stick with it. The snobbery - including anti-homeless comments found below - is breathtaking.
Ideally this is where the planning comes in. Identifying issues, balancing the benefits and costs of each and laying out the best possible path forward. Without overlooking the less fortunate. Being homeless was surely no one’s life plan.
It is possible both to appreciate Stewart's as a company and to prioritize housing in the city over larger Stewart's shops. It is also possible to want to preserve and expand housing in Glens Falls and also want to preserve the city's history and its charm. It is acceptable to set some standards for housing and ask that developers follow city laws and do what they say they are going to do.
I have not seen any snobbery or anti-homeless comments here. People deserve respect and homeless people have a right to hang out in City Park like anyone else. But they don't have a right to strew trash around the park, which from my observations, is happening.