It’s difficult to sympathize with the position Francis Goudie takes in his letter about proposed zoning changes to accommodate an assisted living facility on the grounds of the Foundation for Economic Education (Spring 2012 issue). Mr. Goudie expresses concern about several possible elements of the proposed facility – 150 residents, 80 employees working three shifts, a commercial kitchen, daily deliveries, and sewage.
While these are all factors to be considered, Mr. Goudie fails to account for one element that would far outweigh any problems the facility might cause – a large increase in tax revenue for the Village. For fifty years, the former occupant of the property paid no taxes; any new owner would provide a small windfall of income, a factor that should alleviate concerns about how the Village would deal with the changes brought about by the facility.
In addition to this welcome income, the facility just might reverse the downward trend Main Street has experienced in the past several years. Some of the occupants, most of the staff, and a large portion of visitors could be counted on to make their way down Main Street toward the river, opening up countless possibilities for our local merchants to see a vast increase in business. Mr. Goudie also expresses fear of “noise or odors emanating” from the facility. It’s hard to imagine much noise coming from a facility that houses the elderly. As for odors, the Village has managed to house various restaurants, delis, and pizza places without anyone being driven away by any smells. We would probably be able to manage whatever scents come from an assisted living facility.
Also, don’t forget that additional income.
Joe Claro, Irvington
