A Truly Green Idea

Published in the Blue Stone Press, 9/21/2007

To the Editor:

The 200-year old Stone Ridge Orchard, leased and farmed by Mike Biltonen, is a working, productive farm. It is part of Marbletown's heritage and is its future. This orchard is in the gunsights of wealthy and powerful developers who have given their project the warm and fuzzy name "Marbletown Green".

Many concepts have been dangled during MG's 'conversations'. Among them: affordable housing. What is meant by 'affordable housing'? "Some" studio and one-bedroom apartments will go for "under $200,000", according to the lead architect on the project. Most units would go for "$400,000", or "the sky's the limit". Exactly who in Marbletown could afford those prices?

And what would Marbletown gain, in addition to all this "affordable housing"? Endless traffic, degradation of our aquifer, potential groundwater contamination, sewage runoff, loss of endangered species(Bog Turtles and Indiana Bats), and higher taxes to pay for essential services that will be needed by this large additional population.

What will Marbletown lose? Its peaceful rural character. Its unique and timeless beauty. The 200 year old historic, productive orchard will be lost forever along with its apples, peaches, plums and berries.

I ask the Hauspurgs to do the right thing with their land. Why not work with the community, and sell your land to those who want to preserve this vital agricultural resource, while providing you with a return on the investment you made in purchasing this land 8 years ago? There are solutions to be found that are truly green.

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