Letters to the Editor for Monday, Oct. 22

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Share your views on Holocaust memorial

The Oct. 12 letter, “Survey residents on important matters,” raised an interesting point about what issues elected officials choose to survey their constituents about. However, the letter misses the point when it comes to the proposed Holocaust memorial, which isn’t a museum as stated in the letter.

There have been several planning and town board meetings and hearings concerning the memorial. Many Niskayuna residents took advantage of the opportunity to tell town officials their views. It’s clear that town officials have considered those views and continue to facilitate discussions with stakeholders regarding the memorial.

Also, town officials and memorial sponsors have repeatedly pledged to provide additional opportunities for residents to further express their views once a proposed design is ready for public viewing.

I agree with the writer that residents should follow issues on the town’s website, attend meetings and offer their opinions. I plan to do just that and voice my strong support for a Holocaust memorial in Niskayuna.

Finally, the proposed memorial is on land donated by the Albany Catholic diocese under a religious-use purpose. While surveying about a farmers’ market is appropriate, we can all agree that a survey on whether to permit certain religious uses in our town violates the principles we hold dear as Americans. I’m so proud to be a resident of Niskayuna, an inclusive, accepting community that values diversity.

Linda Rozell-Shannon

Niskayuna

Disappointed with Salvation Army

I’ve donated almost-new, new and used clothing to the Salvation Army location in Glenville for many years. On the weekend of Oct. 6, I took some clothing up to this center and was so surprised to see the parking lot in the rear of the store covered with bags, boxes and just about anything you can imagine sitting out in the rain. Anything in these boxes and bags had to be soaking wet. I was heartsick to say the least.

Anything that I have ever donated has been neatly folded and put in a bag so it didn’t get dirty. I don’t think it’s a fair practice for anyone to just drop off their garbage. However, I’m sure a lot of what I saw wasn’t trash when it was dropped off. I’m not an unreasonable person and realize that things happen and being short-staffed is one of them. But my husband and I went back this past weekend and the parking lot was the same, with a lot of the same items, boxed and bagged, still out in the elements. This is inexcusable. I’m so disappointed in the Salvation Army. I’m sure I can find a worthy organization that needs the items that I can donate. The Salvation Army needs to get its act together.

Dale Mancini

Glenville

Today in Opinion

High Notes: Union swimmers and a camp fundraiser, Oct. 22, 2018
Editorial: Stop political efforts to rig the census, Oct. 22, 2018
Douthat: With ancestry test, Warren flunks the ‘freak show’ test, Oct. 22, 2018

Burnt Hills needs its own grocery store

Oh, whoa Burnt Hills. Aldi’s, another grocery store, has opened in Glenville. Burnt Hills residents didn’t even get the coupon as an incentive to shop there. There are now three stores within walking distance in Glenville. Yet, there are none five miles north in Burnt Hills.

There’s another Aldi’s store in Ballston Spa — five miles north. We’ve been without a grocery store since the Grand Union closed several years ago. There’s a Stewart’s Shop, an Extra Xtra Mart and the Dollar General, but there’s no grocery store that offers more healthy food options. Burnt Hills is a relative “food desert.”

The CDTA bus runs on Route 50, but again, it may take a mile walk to access a ride on the bus to Glenville or Ballston Spa. The population is growing older and needs a grocery store that is closer than five miles. Maybe we can interest Shop-Rite to build here. Or Wegman’s?

Nancy Michela

Burnt Hills

Today in Opinion