Williams Lake and Canopy Development, New Neighbors
I could be getting some very wealthy neighbors here in Cottekill NY soon if the sale of William’s Lake goes through. Canopy Development’s major stock holder is former CEO of AOL, Steve Chase. The green friendly company has developed luxury resorts and vacation homes that average in at the 3 million mark. The Lake is about a mile down the road and has been in the same family for three generations. I was a lifeguard there when in high school and have enjoyed the place for years. Personally I will welcome my new neighbors because of their good record of developing, change isn’t always bad.
posted by Kent E St. John at 11:14 AM
5 Comments:
what have they developed at this time?
These aren't "neighbors". They will build an exclusive vacation resort for the wealthy ONLY. It is a time share country club for the rich. Considering that the Catskills will be loosing 2 of it's very few lakes, I can't see how this will benefit the area. What if you lived in NYC and they bought Central Park? Would you welcome their privatizing one of the City's treasured resources? Just like the ocean, people need access to nature's water bodies and this should not exclude anyone because of their financial status. This is a travesty unfolding and it is shame that folks don't yet see this for what it is.
Firstly, Williams Lake is NOT in the Catskills.
Secondly, comparing the very PUBLIC Central Park in NYC to the PRIVATELY-OWNED Williams Lake Hotel property is a bit disingenuous.
While I share many of the concerns of those who worry about large-scale development in a small town, I don't think anything will be gained by pretending that private property is somehow "public". I'm sure Andrew wouldn't want to see his private property treated that way.
In my experience with Canopy Development, they haven't completed anything yet. They have big plans, but little follow through.
I was a lifeguard there too and on the Williams Lake Swimming Team (mid 60's to early 70's). Turning Williams Lake into a gated community for the rich elite that have a very overdeveloped sense of entitlement will not benefit Williams Lake, Rosendale, Cottekill or any other community in close proximity. It will turn into something akin to Nantucket which is as grotesque as rich people can make it. I hope Canopy fails and nothing is developed there by that firm. --Kevin Tucker--
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