Board asked to weigh concerns

I am surprised and disappointed with the article in the Sept. 26 Amherst Bee titled "Development project draws resident concerns." While I'm sure that the intent of the report was to be evenhanded, it failed to capture the full extent of the residents' concerns.

This project calls for the replacement of an old-style 1,800-square-foot home located on North Cayuga Road with two modern, 4,000-square-foot patio homes. The average size of the buildings on the adjacent properties is one half the size of one of the two proposed buildings. Many neighbors are upset by the negative impact that this excessive development will have on the neighborhood.

The article began with "Several village residents attended the Monday night Williamsville Village Board meeting to speak out against a development request." It should be noted that more than a dozen residents (not "several") spoke against the project and that Village Hall was full of concerned residents. No resident spoke in favor of the project.

The article stated that "a North Cayuga resident gathered signatures from her neighbors." However, it failed to explain that more than 80 signatures were collected in a formal petition against this type of development and against this specific project in just a few afternoons of canvassing.

Residents agree that such a project will set a precedent that will allow for the destruction of homes and division of property lots to make way for patio homes that will destroy the charm of the village.

This project falls under an "exceptional development" village code that gives the Village Board the right to approve or deny the proposed development. I strongly encourage the Village Board to listen to the voices of their constituents rather than the ill-conceived request of a developer by denying the request for this excessive development.

Toby Paquet Howard Avenue

Williamsville