Private Property is a Civil Right

March 15, 2005

To the Editor,

          I have no personal interest in what form of development takes place at the intersection of Routes 4&43 in North Greenbush but I am deeply concerned by the threat to the private property rights of its land owners. A threat to one person’s property at the hands of the “community” sets a dangerous precedent that diminishes everyone’s rights.

          I cannot imagine how it must feel to own a piece of unimproved property and have my ability to improve that land decided by my neighbors. Do the residents of the DeFreestville Area Neighborhood Association believe that they have more rights than their neighbors based simply on who was there first? It seems akin to the most basic territorial instincts of wild animals.

          It certainly isn’t moral behavior to claim dominion over your neighbor’s property. This is a perfect example of why our nation’s founders made a republican form of government and not a democracy. The Constitution of our Republic puts individual “civil” rights above reproach from any majority, perceived or otherwise.  It really protects us from ourselves.

          Imagine if before any development of the DANA neighborhood took place, the neighbors at the intersection told them they could not build homes there because they would only bring tax liabilities in the form of students that must be educated at the expense of the business community. A better (but equally unjust) argument could be made to support such a scenario.

          As it is now, businesses are already suffering a great injustice by the majority in that they pay a higher property tax rate while being denied their constitutionally guaranteed right to representation. It’s also bewildering why numerous school board members have lead the charge to stop any commercial development in our town. We should remember this when we vote on the school board and budget.

          The business community is the genesis of all revenue. It needs to be respected and encouraged by those who intend to reap the benefits purchased with the tax revenue it generates.  

DRC