For Immediate Release: February 18, 2011
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency's 2010 Annual Report was presented to the Agency Board on February 10th. The report summarizes yearly accomplishments and includes links to key documents such as the Citizen Guide, Jurisdictional Form, telecommunication sites, broadband coverage and Unit Management Plans. In addition, embedded in this year's report is a link to the 2010 Agency Board Highlights. The Board Highlights link details Board activity, projects approved and presentations received. The Annual Report is available from the Agency's website. Please visit www.apa.state.ny.us to download the document.
Chairman Stiles stated, "The Agency overcame many hurdles in 2010 never losing focus on the importance of the mission we are entrusted with on behalf of the citizens of this great State. The Adirondack Park is one of New York's greatest assets. In the coming years, the protection of the Park's natural resources and the promotion of economic opportunities must remain one of the State's highest priorities."
Executive Director Martino said, "The 2010 Annual Report highlights how the Agency successfully delivered critical services and programs which benefited the Park's environment, communities, and economy. During a challenging year, the dedication and hard work of staff and commissioners was truly evident as we addressed a wide range of policy issues, projects and actions. In the upcoming year, we eagerly look forward to protecting the public and private lands within the Adirondack Park and improving the viability of Park communities."
During 2010, the Administration Division worked diligently to meet all budget mandates including a work force reduction. This was accomplished in part through retirements and the closure of the Visitor Interpretive Centers.
The Economic Services Division participated in the review and approval of 42 projects which retained or created jobs in the Park. In addition, staff coordinated with the Town of Brighton on reuse opportunities for the former Camp Gabriels prison site and provided critical guidance on the Lake Champlain Bridge project which expedited project approval.
Regulatory Programs staff issued 392 permits and processed 167 pre-application requests. 59 economic development and 28 cellular projects were approved. In addition, 73 general permits were issued. Staff responded effectively to address the disruptions caused by the sudden closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge. Permits were issued for bridge demolition, the development of a temporary ferry and the construction of the new tied-arch bridge. Regulatory Program staff helped develop new general permit applications for a change in use for existing commercial, public/semi-public or industrial buildings and the installation of new or replacement cellular equipment.
Planning staff worked closely with local government to address community needs. Staff assisted the Towns of Westport and Tupper Lake with map amendments which were approved by the Agency Board. Planning staff also worked with the Towns of Crown Point, Essex and Bellmont on local planning and mapping initiatives. Staff prepared base maps for the Hamlets 3 Smart Growth project and assisted in the development of a MOU between the APA and DEC. The MOU defines a process for review of projects on lands in which the State owns a conservation easement.
Local Government Services staff responded to 570 inquiries from local officials on land use issues and participated in twenty-six meetings with town officials providing information on Agency jurisdiction and land use law. In addition, staff reviewed 99 variances from towns with approved local land use programs.
State land staff prepared four State land classification packages which were approved by the Governor in 2010. Actions included were the creation of a new Little Moose Mountain Wilderness Area, establishment of a new Intensive Use Camping Area in the Moose River Plains, and the reclassification of the fire towers on Hurricane and St. Regis Mountain to Historic. Staff also provided advice on five new unit management plans which were determined compliant with the SLMP by the Agency Board.
Resource Analysis and Scientific Services staff completed 271 wetland delineations, advised on 242 wetland jurisdictional determinations and evaluated 81 deep hole test pits. Staff conducted educational workshops on stormwater management and the impacts of invasive species.
Regulatory revision was a significant focus for Legal staff. During the year, staff implemented regulatory revisions related to boathouses. The Legal Division also continued to work on advancing three bills in the legislature: 1) to create a community housing incentive; 2) to create a local planning grant program; and 3) to streamline the Agency's permit process and enable development rights transfer. Legal staff were also responsible for executing Executive Order 25, which required State agencies to conduct a review of their rules and regulations.
The Jurisdictional Inquiry Office wrote 856 jurisdictional determinations, (560 non-jurisdictional and 186 jurisdictional) handled 510 referrals from other agencies and answered nearly 4,820 general inquiry phone calls. The average response time for jurisdictional determinations was 16 days. In addition, staff processed 233 Freedom of Information requests.
Enforcement staff opened 380 cases and successfully closed 372 cases, including 189 signed settlement agreements and 112 cases closed with no violations. Ongoing outreach with code enforcement and local government officials has dramatically reduced the number of subdivision violations. In 2010, of the 98 subdivisions undertaken within the Park, only one resulted in a violation.
The Agency's annual report is available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. Please download the document from the Park Agency's website at www.apa.state.ny.us. Acrobat Reader or another PDF compatible software is required. A free utility is available from the Agency's website at www.apa.state.ny.us/Forms/Form_Help.html. Website distribution results in important budget savings for the Park Agency. In 2009 the Annual Report was downloaded over 6,900 times.
The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law. For more information, call the APA at (518) 891-4050 or visit www.apa.state.ny.us.
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