For Immediate Release: April 3, 2009
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – The New York State Senate introduced three measures, advanced by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA), which were carefully designed to benefit the Park, its residents and improve overall APA efficiency.
APA Chairman Curtis F. Stiles stated, “These bills were prepared with the best interest of the Adirondack Park in mind. They help address the critical need for affordable housing and establish a predictable funding source for local government planning efforts. In addition, we carefully evaluated our administrative process and proposed changes that will improve overall Agency efficiency, streamline the project review process and expand flexibility for transferring development rights.”
Bill S.3367 would increase affordable housing opportunities within the Adirondack Park on land best suited to sustain a higher density of development. The lack of adequate affordable housing is a problem that must be solved to retain year-round families and ensure community sustainability.
Bill S.3366 would establish a Local Government Planning Grant Program administered by the APA. This would result in steady funding for local government planning initiatives. Grant funding would be sustained through civil penalties, settlement agreements and application fees collected by the APA.
Bill S.3361 would modify the Agency’s project review process to improve Agency efficiencies and reduce unnecessary burden and expense to applicants. This bill would also result in expanded flexibility for transferring development rights. Transferring development potential from more restrictive APA land use areas into less restrictive areas can balance protection of the Park’s unique natural resources with the growing demand for increased development opportunities on land capable of sustaining higher density development.
Please see briefing documents and map of potential Community Housing opportunity areas available on Agency homepage.
The New York State Adirondack Park Agency was created in 1971 by the State Legislature to develop long-range land use plans for both public and private lands within the boundary of the Adirondack Park. With its headquarters located in Ray Brook, the Agency also operates two Visitor Interpretive Centers, in Newcomb and Paul Smiths. For more information, call the APA at (518) 891-4050 or visit www.apa.state.ny.us.