For Immediate Release: October 21, 2014
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will hold a series of public listening sessions to solicit comments regarding possible amendments to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP) including proposals identified as part of the Essex Chain Lakes classification. As part of the Essex Chain Lakes Complex classification, the APA agreed to consider amendments to the APSLMP that would allow the use of all-terrain bicycles in the Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Area and the use of non-natural materials for the construction of a bridge over the Cedar River.
The public will have the opportunity to make suggestions about changes to the APSLMP in relation to the Essex Chain Lakes commitments as well as suggest additional recommendations during a series of four public listening sessions. The meeting format will include opportunities for individuals to interact directly with APA staff, ask questions and provide suggestions about possible revisions to the APSLMP for further consideration. The public is encouraged to bring written comments to support their input.
During each listening session, agency staff will present an overview of the process required to amend the APSLMP.
The APA has scheduled four public listening sessions to be held at the following times and locations:
October 29, 2014 - 5PM-8PM
APA Headquarters
New York State Office Complex
1133 State Route 86
Ray Brook, NY
November 3, 2014 - 4PM-7PM
Newcomb Central School
5535 State Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
November 17, 2014 - 11AM-2PM
NYS DEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233
November 18 - 5PM-8PM
Town of Webb Union Free School District
School Gymnasium
3002 State Route 28
Old Forge, NY 13420
In addition to the listening sessions, APA will accept written comments on APSLMP amendments until December 5, 2014.
Please submit written comments to:
Deputy Director, Planning Kathy Regan PO Box 99 Ray Brook, NY 12977 Or via email SLMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov
At the conclusion of the public sessions, the APA will discuss topics for further consideration with DEC and engage stakeholders to identify amendment recommendations.
Following public and stakeholder engagement, the APA will undertake the State Environmental Quality Review Act process on the Essex Chain Lakes Complex proposals. APA will also develop a timeline to consider other possible APSLMP amendment recommendations.
The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan defines permissible activities on State-owned Forest Preserve land in the Adirondack Park. The APSLMP was written in 1972, but since 1987, there have been no major amendments to the APSLMP, despite changing recreational activities, such as mountain biking.
The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please provide any requests for specific accommodations to Keith P. McKeever at 518-891-4050.
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.ny.gov.
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