For Immediate Release: February 12, 2015
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Ray Brook, NY - In 2014, the Adirondack Park Agency worked to balance the preservation of the Parks resources and open space character with the needs of Adirondack communities for employment and a strong diversified economic base as it started the processes to amend the State Land Master Plan, implemented the Interim Access Plan for the Essex Chain Lakes complex to increase public access to spectacular natural treasures and issued permits for projects including a 120-room hotel in Lake George, expansion of NYCO Minerals, stabilizing Route 73 and enhancing telecommunications.
Chairwoman Ulrich stated, "The Agency achieved many accomplishments in 2014 through dedication to the Park and its communities and a strong commitment to collaboration with all stakeholders. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership the Agency is effectively partnering with local government officials, environmental organizations, not for profits and our sister agencies to ensure the highest level of service."
The Adirondack Forest Preserve is a New York State jewel. Management of the Forest Preserve is guided by the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. This year, the State Lands team undertook the first comprehensive review of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan in over 25 years. Staff held four listening sessions which were attended by approximately 200 citizens and accepted 1,186 public comments. Going forward, staff in consultation with DEC, will engage stakeholders to consider amendments that hold true to the underlying principal of the Master Plan to protect natural resources and remoteness while ensuring public access is accommodated in a sustainable and respectful way.
Chairwoman Ulrich said, "I am strongly encouraged by the thoughtful dialogue and respect expressed by all stakeholders who are contributing to this effort. We will move forward diligently and are fully aware of the magnitude of our work."
In close coordination with DEC, the agencies successfully implemented the Essex Chain Lakes Interim Plan protecting natural resources and strengthening tourism opportunities in the heart of the Adirondacks. The public can now enjoy the beauty and fantastic paddling on the Essex Chain of Lakes and the Upper Hudson River as well as view the breathtaking OK Slip Falls.
The Agencys Regulatory Programs Division plays an important role in balancing economic development with natural resource protection. Staff provides advice and reviews projects to guide development in a manner that achieves desired outcomes without unintended negative impacts to neighboring properties and the unique natural resources of the Adirondack Park.
Major project approvals included in the 277 permits issued last year were:
- 120-room hotel in the Village of Lake George, Warren County. Project is expected to generate 15 million dollars in related construction costs and support 50 full time, 25 part time and 40 seasonal jobs. The hotel is located in the Lake George central business district and is estimated to attract approximately 110,000 visitors annually;
- Expansion to existing NYCO Minerals, Inc. mine in the Town of Lewis, Essex County. Approval will allow NYCO to retain 102 jobs with a combined payroll of $6.5 million and continue to support 45 additional contractors who provide various mining related services;
- Stabilization work on NYS Route 73 and badly needed improvements to the historic Whiteface Memorial Highway were undertaken on schedule, with minimal impacts to the traveling public and with proper environmental safeguards;
- Issued 37 telecommunication permits/amendments including six new towers in the Towns of Crown Point, Elizabethtown, Essex, North Hudson, Putnam and Queensbury. Projects improved cellular and emergency communications without diminishing the scenic appeal of the Adirondack Park;
- Supported Forestry Products industry through approval of Lyme timber harvesting permit. The approved project was compliant with the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiatives. The project will improve forest stand health and ensure long term sustainability of forestry jobs in Franklin Country, which is heavily dependent on forestry and related jobs;
- Issued variances to the Towns of Inlet, Willsboro and Wilmington for projects that expanded public access to waterways and improved aquatic habitats.
Staff also played a key role in the Great South Woods Complex Planning Initiative. The goal of this project is to create trail systems that extend through multiple state land units and link community centers to foster long range travel and bolster tourism.
Local Government staff continued to provide professional planning advice to local planning, zoning and town board members many of whom are volunteers. This service is invaluable to local communities striving to implement local land use plans that incorporate community goals, smart growth principals and establish a level of predictability desired by citizens presently residing in or considering investing in Adirondack communities. Staff conducted 178 consultations, reviewed 107 local land use program variances, completed 5 comprehensive plan reviews, conducted 13 land use training workshops and responded to 522 land use planning inquiries. In addition, Planning, Local Government and Economic Services staff worked with the Town of Northampton and the Village of Northville on a new economic and planning service called the Hamlet Economic Development and Planning Assistance Initiative. In collaboration with community leaders, staff prepared a Hamlet economic development plan and assisted with its implementation. The Agency is excited to partner with other communities in 2015.
In 2014, engineering and natural resources and scientific services staff ensured protection for the Parks natural resources and public health by conducting review of 208 stormwater management projects, 192 shoreline projects and 186 on site wastewater treatment systems. Staff reviewed 155 deep-hole test pits to ensure onsite wastewater systems would function properly. Based on this analysis, staff approved 68 conventional systems and 49 shallow systems. Staff also conducted 193 wetland site visits and issued determinations within an average response time of 12 days.
Key Legal Division accomplishments for 2014 included dismissal by the 3rd Department Appellate Division of NYS Supreme Court of a challenge to the Agencys 2012 approval of the Adirondack Club and Resort project in Tupper Lake. In addition the courts dismissed challenges related to APSLMP snowmobile trail guidance.
Executive Director Martino said, "Agency staff vigorously adheres to the laws and regulations we are charged to administer. Our project review teams fully understand the importance of their work and take great pride in conducting consistent, fair and thorough review of all land use and development projects. Certainly the Courts actions validated the hard work of staff."
Agency staff also continued to work with the three Regional Economic Development Councils that represent the Adirondack Park. In 2014 the Councils received over $180 million in grant and loan funding through Governor Cuomos REDC competition.
Chairwoman Ulrich said, "The continued success of the Regional Councils combined with Governor Cuomos strong commitment to promote the unparalleled tourism potential of the Adirondack Park is building a stronger more diverse Park economy. "
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. -30-