The 1772 Becker Stone House—and the field adjacent, site of a massacre that left John Becker scalped and dead—is Gallupville’s only visible link to the American Revolution.
And no place for a Dollar General.
“What you have is a very rare thing.
“It became known as the house the Indians could not burn,” historian and author Jeff O’Connor told members of the Town of Wright Planning Board and an audience of about 20 at the public hearing on the proposed Route 443 project Tuesday.
“Why risk that building? It’s like putting a dagger in the soul of the community.”
The hearing remains open as the Planning Board continues its environmental review; Planning Board chair Evan Motschmann said there will be another hearing before they decide whether the application for the 10,640 square-foot DG at Shutter’s Corners is complete--and whether all concerns can be mitigated.
After that will come site plan review.
Bohler Engineering’s Caryn Mlodzianowski ran through updates to lighting, landscaping, and signage—the “monument” sign in front of the store will reflect the look of the Becker Stone House, located across Fox Creek behind it, she said.
Other concerns identified by Planning Board members in their review include its impact on water, agriculture, aesthetics, and community character.
Those last two are inescapable most of those taking the floor argued.
“Please don’t be that fuse that threatens this house in any way,” Mr. O’Connor said.
Also arguing against the project, in a letter read by Linda Briggs, who lives near the site, were State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman Chris Tague, who said their “strong opposition…is rooted in the historical significance of the area and the potential negative impact such a development could have on this community’s historical heritage.”
The two legislators said they’ve heard from numerous constituents who value the “historical integrity” of Wright over “commercial entities that do not align with the town’s character,” and like Mr. O’Connor, they cautioned the Planning Board against projects that could have long-term impacts on the community’s identity and cultural and historical fabric.
“…we urge the Planning Board to carefully consider the historical significance of the proposed site and the potential ramifications of approving this project.”
Other speakers said the middle of a hayfield is no place for a DG and said Route 443 at Shutter’s Corners is already plagued with accidents.
Connie Skinner, however, was one of those who spoke in favor of the project, calling it a “great opportunity for our town,” especially for the elderly who can’t drive.
Ms. Skinner said she hasn’t seen any of the trash problems others have spoken about at other DGs.
“I think the new design fits into our community,” she said.
Others said the store will add to the tax base and help the town prosper while Joe Durma, who farms 160 acres on Zimmer Road asked the town to go after grants that would bring sidewalks and water and sewer into the hamlet of Gallupville, where growth would be more appropriate.