Pete, I grew up on Long Island, and lived there until a year ago. When I was a kid, even western LI was farm country, but it all got turn into suburbs of NYC. I moved to eastern LI, became active in my civic association and local politics to try to stop development or at least limit it. I was eventually president of the civic association, even though I didn't want to be. Out of HUNDREDS of land battles, we NEVER won any!! We delayed many for years, but eventually the strip malls, hotels, amusement parks, etc. were built. My beuatiful farm country, again became a suburb of NYC.
I work for the state, and tried for years to get a transfer upstate. Finally got it last year, and bought a small (10 acre) farm, in the middle of a properous farm community. As I save money, I'm trying to expand my acerage. Our house and barns are 200 years old, and I wouldn't change them for anything. Like you, it breaks my heart whenever I see an old building demolished. So far, my area has escaped any significant development. Our village freaked out last year when they put in a second traffic light. I want my area to stay a farming community. I'm 47, and I have no intention of moving again, even if I have to stand on my porch and take pot shots at any developers (just kidding). Early in this thread, Paul mentioned Clifton Park, NY. I'm not to far from that (not too close either). That's a great example. It was farm country a few years ago. Now it's a suburb of Albany. So much beautiful farm country falls to the developers everyday!! It's heartbreaking!!!
Rich
