PUTNAM POSTING: Carmel-Kent Chamber Speaks Out Against Proposed Truck Wash

Henry Boyd, the president of the Carmel-Kent Chamber of Commerce, has weighed in on behalf of their Board of Directors with an e-mail to its membership regarding the proposed truck wash on Route 52 in Kent. The area is blighted, this project would only serve to further that stigma, and so they are strongly and vehemently opposing its construction.

“We are alarmed about the impact of the proposed 137.4-acre parcel development. It calls for 54 acres to be excavated and mined for mixed commercial use including but not limited to a truck/rest stop, truck wash, repair and truck service station,” says Boyd. “We are concerned about the environmental impact relating to the massive rock cutting and impact to our water tables. The proposed property would require a petition for a zoning amendment to change the zoning law allowing construction of a five-story structure and require a ladder truck for the fire department and a place to house the new truck. We would also need to have an increase in police presence.”

Its rare to see a chamber of commerce oppose development, but in this case, it makes sense. As Boyd points out, traffic would increase dramatically at the Route 52 and Ludingtonville Road interchange, adding to commuter traffic. Conflicts between tractor-trailers and school buses would inevitably occur, especially during icy weather. Boyd also points out that there have been no commitments from the company planning the project to build the promised hotel, conference center or water park. As a result, the membership of the Carmel-Kent Chamber is skeptical.

I respect the trucking industry, and hope that they find a good spot for their needed rest areas. However, this is not the correct site and in fact it goes against the work the Putnam County Business Council has done to improve business. It does nothing for our community and certainly does not attract tourism or add any value to the county as it only attracts transients.

We can do better. If you would like to weigh in on the project, please e-mail the Carmel-Kent Chamber at info@carmelkentchamber.org.

Jennifer Maher
Jennifer Maher is a partner of J. Philip Real Estate and Founding Chairwoman of the Putnam County Business Council.