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Finding Aid Compiled by
Lisa Selander
January 24, 1990
M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives
University Libraries / University at Albany / State University of New York
1400 Washington Avenue / Albany, New York 12222 / (518) 437-3935
VOLUME: 5.05 cubic feet
ACQUISITION: All items in this manuscript group were donated to the University Libraries, M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, by Lindsay Childs.
ACCESS: Access to this record group is unrestricted.
COPYRIGHT: The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Box and Folder List:
Concerned Citizens Against Crossgates (CCAC) was organized as an informal group opposed to the construction of the Pyramid Crossgates mall in the summer of 1979. The group developed into a coalition of concerned residents that at one time had over three thousand members from the Town of Guilderland and neighboring communitites. Concerned Citizens Against Crossgates sought to preserve the rural and residential character of their town.
The administration of CCAC consisted of President Rhonda Childs, Treasurer Mary circa Phillips, and a Board of Directors which included the following members: Gregory R. Bell, Margaret McKinley, Donald J. Reeb, Drew Hartyell, and Anita Kershaw. Rhonda Childs and Mary circa Phillips continued as President and Treasurer until CCAC disbanded in 1984 when Crossgates was under construction.
CCAC was involved in hearings and suits against the Town of Guilderland Zoning, Planning, and Conservation Advisory Boards from 1979 to 1983. They initiated a lawsuit on September 18, 1981 against Robert F. Flacke, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Town of Guilderland Zoning Appeals Board, the Albany County Planning Board, and David Axelrod, M.D., Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, to overturn the decision made by the Water Merger Vote of August 27, 1980. CCAC was concerned that the construction of Crossgates would lead to a violation of Department of Health regulations protecting the watershed of McKownville.
CCAC was also involved as an intervenor in the 1981 Pyramid application for a special use permit for traffic and parking relief in the Town of Guilderland. From 1979 to 1982, CCAC was involved in a series of suits against Robert F. Flacke, individually and as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Two of the attorneys that represented CCAC during the lawsuits are Joel H. Sachs, of Plunkett and Jaffe, P.C., and George A. Rowland.
Legal Papers. Water Merger: CCAC suit appealing Water Merger Vote,
1979, 1981-1982.
Legal Papers. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke, Volume 1, 1982.
The records of Concerned Citizens Against Crossgates include subject files, legal papers, exhibits for hearings before the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and News Clippings. Due to the informal nature of CCAC, the collection does not contain meeting minutes or correspondence of leaders in the organization, that would indicate the development of strategy.
CCAC's campaign against Crossgates Mall is documented by fliers, ads, election material, speeches, and legal documents supporting the suits that CCAC filed against the Town of Guilderland, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Robert F. Flacke. Other documents include permits, briefs, decisions, attorneys' correspondence, hearing submissions, and related material.
Several collections in the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives provide further information about the construction of Crossgates Mall including the Crossgates Regional Shopping Mall Collection (APAP-067) and the records of Save the Pine Bush (APAP-125). A complete list of related collections is available at the subject guide for Conservation and the Environment.
Series 1: Subject Files, 1969, 1971, 1974-1983, 1985-1986. 1.5 cubic feet. Arranged alphbetically.
This series contains correspondence generated or received by Concerned Citizens Against Crossgates, petitions, fliers and ads relating to CCAC meetings, lists of CCAC speaking engagements and witnesses for CCAC. Also included are folders on the canidates for the 1980 Town of Guilderland elections. This series also contains data gathered on traffic at other malls and literature relating to residential property values.
Series 2: Legal Papers, 1964, 1972, 1974, 1977-1983. 1.75 cubic feet. Arranged alphbetically.
This series includes copies of Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) commissioned studies on the impact of Crossgates on the environment, society, and wildlife. This series also contains draft environmental impact statements, documentation for water merger appeals, and copies of Zoning Board records. Included in this series are 14 folders of maps that show plans for improvements on the mall site and surrounding area. There are nine folders containing documentation of CCAC suits against Robert F. Flacke.
Series 3: DEC Exhibits, 1973, 1979-1980. 1.0 cubic feet. Arranged by exhibit number.
This series contains exhibits presented at DEC hearings from 1979-80. Included in this series are letters, surveys, reports, photographs, maps, and resumes of expert witnesses. The first folder contains a list of all exhibits.
Series 4: News Clippings, 1975, 1977-1985, 1987. .8 cubic feet. Arranged chronologically.
This series contains copies and originals of News Clippings primarily from the Albany Times Union and Schenectady Gazette.
Series 1: Subject Files, 1969, 1971, 1974-1983, 1985-1986
Box 1
Folder
1. CCAC Correspondence, 1979-81.
2. CCAC Correspondence, 1981-82.
3. CCAC Correspondence, Legal, 1979-80.
4. CCAC Correspondence, Legal, 1979-82.
5. CCAC Correspondence, Legal, 1981-83.
6. CCAC Correspondence concerning water permit, 1980.
7. CCAC Correspondence from the town people, 1979-80.
8. CCAC "Stop X Gate" Button.
9. Crossgates: Cartoon, circa 1980.
10. Crossgates: Effect on existing malls, 1979-80.
11. Crossgates: Grand opening of Jordan Marsh and Filene's, 7/25/85.
12. Crossgates: Magazines, 1985.
13. Environmental Information, 1974, 1978-81.
14. Environmental Conservation Commissioner, Peter Berle, Resignation, 1978, 1980.
15. Fliers, ads, etc. of CCAC 1979-82.
16. Fliers, ads, etc. of CCAC 1979-83.
17. Gary Nelson, Planning and Management consultant, 1980.
18. Guilderland Democratic Party, 1980.
19. Industrial Development Agency papers, 1981-82.
20. Laws and regulations, 1978.
21. Letters from the public to CCAC regarding Crossgates, 1981.
22. Malls: Construction photographs, circa 1980.
23. Malls: General discussions, 1980-82.
24. Malls: Public policy, 1979-80.
25. McKownville becoming a village, Ideas, 1980.
26. Noise pollution and Danny Driscoll, 1978, 1980.
27. Petitions from people opposed to Crossgates, 1979.
28. Pro-mall letters to CCAC, 1979-81.
29. Property valuation studies and correspondence, 1979-84.
30. Public hearing information of CCAC, 1980.
31. Pyramid Company, Background information, 1979-80.
32. Real Property Tax, Exemptions 1976, 1979-80.
33. Residential property values, literature, 1977-80.
34. Speeches and appearances of CCAC, 1979-80.
35. Stores interested in Crossgates, 1979-80.
36. Suburban Growth Theory, 1980, 1983, 1986.
37. Traffic data on other malls, 1977, 1979-80.
38. Traffic references, 1971, 1978-80.
39. Town of Guilderland Election materials, 1979, 1980, 1981.
Box 2
Folder
1. Town of Guilderland Election: Anne Gafney, 1980.
2. Town of Guilderland Election: Gordon Cannon, 1980.
3. Town of Guilderland Election: John Shea, 1980.
4. Town of Guilderland Election: Lindsy Childs, 1980.
5. Town of Guilderland Master Plan, 1969, 1975, 1980-82.
6. Town of Guilderland related papers, Pre-1981.
7. Town of Guilderland: Testimony of Margaret McKinley,
1978, 1980.
8. Town of Guilderland: Town Board meetings and correspondence, 1978-80.
9. Town of Guilderland: Traffic Data, 1981.
10. V. Zappala & Co. v. Pyramid Co., 1981 and Interstate Properties
v. Pyramid Co., 1981.
11. Witnesses for CCAC., 1979-80.
Series 2: Legal Papers, 1964, 1972, 1974, 1977-1983
Box 2 (cont)
Folder
12. DEC Air Quality Analysis (DOT), 1982.
13. DEC Applicant's response to 11/28/80 DEC decision, 2/9/81.
14. DEC Briefs, Applications of Pyramid Crossgates Company,
1980.
15. DEC Briefs, decisions, post-decision and correspondence,
1980.
16. DEC Correspondence and final decision, 1981.
17. DEC Environmental Conservation, actual permits, 1981.
18. DEC Environmental Conservation cases pertaining to other malls,
1979, 1980, 1982.
19. DEC Environmental Conservation, final submissions, 1981-82.
20. DEC Environmental Conservation Law, reform of part 621, 1981.
21. DEC Environmental Conservation Law, reform of part 624, 1981.
22. DEC Environmental Conservation Law, briefs and correspondence,
1981.
23. DEC Environmental Conservation notices, 1979-80.
24. DEC Hearing submissions related to testimony before DEC, 1979-80.
25. DEC Interrogatories, 1980.
26. DEC Reply briefs in regard to application of Pyramid Co., DEC case
401-09-S002, 9/28/80.
27. DEC Subpoenas of DEC officials during hearings, 1980.
28. DEC Summary of Facts submitted by Pyramid Co. to Judge Dickerson in connection with applications for permits from DEC, 1980.
29. Maps: Layout Plan, 5/30/79.
30. Maps: Profiles (of detention ponds), 5/30/79.
31. Maps: Drainage Area Map-before development, 5/30/79.
32. Maps: Plan and Profile, 6/12/79.
33. Maps: U.S. Route 20-Highway Improvement Plan, 10/16/79.
34. Maps: Washington Ave. Extension and Fuller road I-90 ramps, Highway
Improvement Plan, 10/17/79.
35. Maps: Utilities Plan, 10/17/79.
36. Maps: Air Quality Data Plan, 10/17/79.
37. Maps: Drainage Area Map--after development, 10/17/79.
38. Maps: Highway Maintenance and Jurisdiction Plan, Alternative 4,
11/8/79.
39. Maps: U.S. Route 20--Highway Improvement Plan, 7/7/81.
40. Maps: U.S. Route 20--Highway Improvement Plan, 7/17/81.
41. Maps: Highway Maintenance and Jurisdiction Plan, 11/8/79.
42. Maps: Town of Guilderland, 3/5/81.
43. Environment: Draft Environmental Impact statement, 1979.
44. Environment: Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Pyramid Co. application,
Part 1, 5/30/79.
45. Environment: Draft Environmental statement, incomplete, 1979-80.
Box 3
Folder
1. Studies on the impact of Crossgates on the environment--air (Part
l), 1978-80.
2. Studies on the impact of Crossgates on the environment--air (Part
ll), 1978-80.
3. Studies on the impact of Crossgates on the environment-air (Part
lll), 1978-80.
4. Studies on the impact of Crossgates on the environment--society,
1979.
5. Studies on the impact of Crossgates on the environment--wildlife,
1979.
6. Studies on the impact of Crossgates on the traffic, 1980.
7. Studies on the impact of the economy, 1977.
Note:All studies were completed for the Crossgates Group.
8. Water Merger information, 1964, 1974, 1978, 1980.
9. Water Merger vote, 1980.
10. Water Merger: CCAC suit appealing water merger vote, 1972, 1980-82.
11. Water Merger : CCAC suit appealing water merger vote, 1979, 1981-82.
12. Water Merger: Suit appealing water merger vote, 1980.
13. Water Merger: Suit appealing water merger vote, 1980.
14. Water Merger: Suit appealing water merger vote, 1982-83.
15. Zoning Board of Appeals, CCAC correspondence, 1981.
16. Zoning Board of Appeals, correspondence, 1981.
17. Zoning Board of Appeals, minutes of proceeding, 9/9/81.
18. Zoning Board: Pyramid's applications before the Zoning Board, 1981.
19. Zoning Board: Susan Foster, concerning special permit for zoning,
1981.
20. Zoning Board: Albany Co. Planning Board, zoning and subdivision
reviews and correspondence, 1981.
21. Zoning Board: CCAC v. Guilderland about rezoning, 1980, 1981-82.
22. Zoning Board: CCAC suit against Town of Guilderland Zoning Board,
1980-82.
23. Zoning Board of Appeals suit, Pyramid v. ZBA, October and November,
1981.
24. Zoning Board papers, suit, 1980-82.
Box 4
Folder
1. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke and William J. Dickerson, Supreme Court,
1979-80.
2. CCAC suit against Robert F. Flacke, DEC, 1981.
3. CCAC suit against Robert F. Flacke, Supreme Court, 1980-81.
4. CCAC suit against Robert F. Flacke, Supreme Court, 1981.
5. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke, Supreme Court decision, 1982.
6. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke, Appelate, 1980-82.
7. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke, Court of Appeals, 1982.
8. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke, volume 1, 1982.
9. CCAC v. Robert F. Flacke, volume 2, 1982.
Series 3: DEC Exhibits, 1973, 1979-1980
Box 4 (cont)
Folder
1. List of exhibits, 1-333b, 8/13/79-7/24/80. This document is available online;
click here. This document can be
viewed using Adobe
Reader.
2. Exhibits #1-29, 1979-80.
3. Exhibits #30-52, 1978, 1980.
4. Exhibits #55-79, 1979-80.
5. Exhibits #80-99. [Exhibits 94-98 not found, 03/17/06, acs]
6. Exhibits #100-119, 1978-80.
7. Exhibits #120-139, 1978, 1979-80.
8. Exhibits #140-159, 1973, 1979-80.
9. Exhibits #160-179, 1980.
10. Exhibits #180-199, 1978, 1980.
11. Exhibits #200-219. Exhibits 207-208B are available online;
click here. This document can be
viewed using Adobe
Reader.
12. Exhibits #220-239, 1978-80.
13. Exhibits #240-259, 1978-80.
14. Exhibits #260-279, 1960-77, 1980.
15. Exhibits #280-299, 1979-80.
16. Exhibits #300-333b. 1973, 1978-80.
17. Service list, 7/14/80, and possible list of CCAC members.
Series 4: News Clippings, 1975, 1977-1985, 1987
Box 5
Folder
1. News Clippings, 1975
2. News Clippings, 1977
3. News Clippings, 1978
4-5. News Clippings, 1979
6-10. News Clippings, 1980
Box 6
Folder
1-2. News Clippings, 1981
3. News Clippings, 1982
4. News Clippings, 1983
5. News Clippings, 1984
6. News Clippings, 1985
7. News Clippings, 1987
8. News Clippings, Undated
9. Pine Bush, News Clippings, 1977-1981
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