Monday April 29, 2024 
Why We Support an Open Dialogue With Ken Bailey…
I am writing in response to the many opinions I have seen recently concerning Ken Bailey’s request to build a limited use event building on his farm property on Barnes road. My wife and I are longtime residents of the Capital District who moved to Sand Lake almost 3 years ago. We love the more rural quality of this area. One of the people who has helped us in our transition from suburban horse boarders to agricultural hobby farm owners is Ken Bailey.
A visit to Ken’s farm quickly reveals his passion for his property and his pride of ownership. Most people who spend time at Ken’s farm would recognize the beauty and high level of care his property has. That doesn’t happen by accident or luck – much hard work, time, and financial investment has been poured into this land.
Ken’s vision for an event building is not one without great expense and risk, and not one which will make him rich. It is one which will help cover the costs of maintaining something this area is rapidly losing – it’s scenic private farmland.
Ken’s plan may not be a perfect solution but it’s a good starting point. To Ken’s neighbors, I would say talk to him, see his vision, negotiate the details, see the positives. Other uses of this 66 acres could easily bring all the noise and traffic you fear, with no recourse, 365 days a year.
We love to keep things ‘the way they were’ without caring who the burden falls on. We need to rethink what it takes to sustain the farming heritage and the open lands of this town.
We have lived in many locations in our years and We would be happy to have Ken Bailey and his farm as our neighbor, limited use event barn included.
Ps…In case you think we can’t relate because we don’t live on Barnes Rd – the taxes are high, the services are low, the mining can be loud, the truck traffic can be heavy here on Thais Rd…..But we are blessed to be here.
Matt and Mary Musso, Town of Sand Lake
Preserving AG Area
We are very concerned about more event barn development in our area. We live at 316 Parker and are already subject to an unacceptable amount of traffic and party event related driving due to June Farms. Our experience is that a lot of these drivers go much too fast on our back road and are not paying attention. It really is unsafe. We like to run and bike and use Barnes Road often. It would be a shame to see that road become unsafe and dangerous too. We like everyone who chooses this type of area to live, enjoy the beauty of an agricultural district. We did not anticipate this disappearing for commercial use.
We strongly oppose the permit and employ you to consider the affect on surrounding roads and areas as well.
Thank you
Kaela and Eric Conway, West Sand Lake
Solitude
The old man and his grandson
Spent a hot summer afternoon
Playing in a cool mountain brook.
They hiked into the brook…
A good quarter mile from the road
Through the Wildlife Management Area.
Topography and vegetation
Kept any sounds of civilization from their ears;
They were alone.
The soft babbling of the low water brook,
Along with an occasional bird call
Were the only sounds they heard.
The water was low….
Creek creatures were easy to find,
And, the fish were biting.
The boy caught and released
Brook trout, chubs and even a small pumpkinseed
That had traveled upstream from the Park lake.
They were temporarily immune from the ills of society:
No noise…no bad news…
Solitude !!!
Lloyd Barnhart, West Sand Lake
The Lady in Red, White and Blue
She’s so beautiful
dancing off in the wind
Just the sight of her
warms me within
America the beautiful
oh say can’t you see
Her stars, her stripes
they are a symbol of liberty
Old Glory’s spangled banner
red, white and blue
Always proudly flying high
so brave and so true
More than a flag that waves
she protects the land of the free
I hold her in great reverence
always standing to salute thee
Whenever I travel
wherever I roam
Her spirit always comforts me
until I am safely back home
She’s so beautiful
dancing off in the wind
Just the sight of her
warms me within
Walt De BELL, Troy, NY
Lets Play Ball
The three words fans were waiting for
That left the country with jubilation galore
Where would summer be without those sultry
Days and a cool starry night
The sound of the crack of a bat
And baseballs taking flight
Each athlete plays with all his might and heart
Hoping to earn a position and be among those who start
Children try to master the sport
Hoping to earn fortune and fame
Their burning desire to win one cannot tame
Competition is good for the soul
It brings mankind together with one common goal
Professional Sports are an example of
What perseverance and discipline can do
It’s tried by many, but accomplished by few
Now is the start of an exciting season
The results should be rather pleasin’
Baseball is much more than just a game
It’s an American tradition and
Without it, Life wouldn’t be the same
Family and friends gather to watch the event
It’s a special time that is well spent
I’ve got the best seat in the house
Sitting right here on my cozy couch
As a prolific pitcher steps upon the mound
The way he throws a baseball is quite profound
Anxiously anticipating the home run
Game time is filled with expectation and fun
Some players thank the Lord after they have scored
Lest we not forget the infamous Bambino curse
That mysteriously led to that team getting worse
Everyone roots for their favorite team
And winning brings forth smiles that gleam
You pray for your team to win and that’s the plan
Regardless of what happens you’re always a fan
Donna Masters, Troy