Wal-Mart problems need more research
To the Editor,

I have lived at my present address for thirty years because we wanted to live in the country. Now you want to spoil if for us by letting Wal-Mart move into our rural area. I am very concerned about several issues that I think you need to consider:

I'm concerned about the Storm Retention pools because they are standing water pools which mosquitoes breed in. Mosquitoes are the main carrier of Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus (which infects birds, horses, people and other animals.) These are both deadly. I have two horses and two donkeys that I would love to see stay healthy. The mosquito is also the carrier of Heartworm which is deadly to dogs and cats. You can ask any Veterinarian about these. As a Veterinarian's Technician I have seen the effect of these diseases over the past 38 years.

It also concerns me about the Aquifer as regards to the drainage and how it might effect the Aquifer over a long period of time. It seems to me between Mercury, Simmons-Rockwell and now the possibility of Wal- Mart, the pollution from the run off eventually will be detrimental to the Aquifer. Has anyone checked with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission because they have restrictions on the amount of black top Big Box stores can have?

The last concern I think should be considered is the traffic coming from Prattsburgh on Rt. 13 on to Cold Springs Road to the Fish Hatchery Road to Route 54. But most of all. My horse barn is on Brundage Road and there's a lot of traffic. It is just a farm road, but it is used by people going from 54 to north side of town without having to go downtown. The people from Rt. 13 use it for running and walking, but the cars seem to think it's a speed way. I can't imagine what the traffic would be like if Wal-Mart comes.

This is not what I think our quality of life in the country to be. I know progress is inevitable, but it's not being invaded by a big box store. Please do the research on the problems that Wal-Mart has caused other towns. It's not too late to say no to them.

I also wish you would consider a moratorium on big box stores, just until all the facts have been considered.

Rozanne Baran Bath