LETTER: Government Blocks Industry

2-26-10

To the Editor:
New York State has given too much power to towns, villages, government agencies and special-interest groups to dictate to people as to what they can and cannot do with their own land.
The government passed Article 78 to back all this up. It should be thrown out, because it is being used to take away your rights and the biggest violation is of the Fifth Amendment!
Otsego Reservoir can no way be compared to New York City water supply. To my knowledge, New York City paid for the land that its water supply is on. Cooperstown took a Lake, owned by the public, and turned it into its water supply, and also took a public river, the Susquehanna, and constructed a dam in it to back up the lake which resulted in reservoir.
The dam blocked the canoe passage in the river. To my knowledge there was no compensation for this project, except a very small restricted boat launch, in the middle of the village.
Cooperstown should provide the land and pay for the construction of a public boat launch on the lake and provide access for those using canoes, to get around the dam.
The artificial water level has caused unnecessary erosion to unstable shorelines and damage to the lake’s ecology.
Cooperstown based the Glimmerglass National Historic District on the lake, which is no more! These historical districts that are claimed, i.e., Glimmerglass District, appear to be used as a pawn to block the right of free enterprise and stop families from using their own land to make a living.
When our government and elected politicians allow “special interest groups” to block private enterprise, it is totally against the Constitution. Congressman Michael Arcuri announced the stimulus package for our area was for the programs under governmental jurisdiction. How can they allow private industry to be blocked when it is the foundation of our nation?
New York State needs to find a different path to stimulate the economy, because this whole program of tourism is not bailing us out. It never has, and never will.
In two years, if something worthwhile does not happen, we will become the Third World nation.
So people, wake up and get involved.  Vote in November and make your voice heard.
LYLE PHETTERPLACE
Van Hornesville