The Town of New Scotland is often referred to as "the jewel of Albany County."The Times-Union reports that residents of New Scotland voiced opposition to big-box development for hours before the Town Board passed a unanimous moratorium on building projects over 30,000 square feet.

New Scotlanders for Sound Economic Development handed the board about 2,500 signatures from residents opposing the retail complex, which was proposed to be built on a cornfield in the center of the town.

About three dozen speakers took turns denouncing the development, interrupted with numerous standing ovations from the crowd, which numbered over 500 people and packed Voorheesville High School, where the meeting was held.