ADK Review Board News
- PERMIT OK’D FOR BOATYARD – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that the Tupper Lake planning board has unanimously approved a permit for a new boatyard after reviewing plans presented to board by Rob Gillis, a local real estate broker, at Wednesday night’s meeting.
- PUBLIC FORUMS SET FOR REDC GRANT PROPOSALS – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
A staff report notes that the North Country Regional Economic Development Council is inviting people to attend one of seven forums to be held in each of the region’s counties. Attendees are encouraged to suggest potential projects to be considered in the fourth year of annual state grant funding and to share ideas for economic growth opportunities.
- REPORT ANALYZES ADIRONDACK AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES SCIENCE – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that a new report called the Boat Inspection and Decontamination for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention: Recommendations for the Adirondack Region is now available to help guide decisions on where to prioritize actions to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species.
- TOURISM NO CURE-ALL FOR ADIRONDACKS (Blog) – Daily Gazette ( Schenectady, NY) Website
Writer Sara Foss writes that a new report put together by the Adirondack Park Regional Assessment Project paints a grim portrait of life inside the Adirondack park and discusses the matter with Brad Dake who helped oversee the study.
- FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM THE GOP DEBATE FOR NY21 – Adirondack Journal ( Warrensburg, NY) Website
Reporter Pete DeMola reports that with the Republican primary on June 24 just three weeks away, the two GOP candidates, Matt Doheny and Elise Stefanik, met in the state capital for their first televised debate.
- NY-21: STEFANIK, DOHENY VIE FOR NORTH COUNTRY ROOTS IN FIRST DEBATE – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter David Sommerstein reports that the two Republicans seeking to represent the North Country in Congress came out swinging Tuesday night in their first debate before the June 24 primary.
- COURT SIDES WITH EPA ON NOT SETTING NEW ACID RAIN STANDARD – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Pete Yost reports that a federal appeals court has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency was justified in not establishing a new air quality standard for acid rain.
- ESSEX COUNTY STALLS SALE OF FRONTIER TOWN – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Matthew Turner reports that the Essex County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday to postpone the sale of Frontier Town, a former Wild West theme park, to the town of North Hudson.
- WITH CLAUSE GONE, GOP LOYALTY SPLITS – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
A staff report notes that while technically, Elise Stefanik is the Warren County Republican Committee’s endorsed candidate in the June 24 primary for the party’s nomination in the 21st Congressional District, many traditional party loyalists are backing Matt Doheny who has not been endorsed by the party.
- ADIRONDACK PARK REGIONAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT CHAIR EXPLAINS NEW REPORT (TV-WMV) – NY State of Politics (TWCN) ( Albany, NY) Website
Nearly half of the Adirondack Park is considered forever wild, and many other areas have strict limits on development. But the park is also home to more than 100,000 people. And a new report looks at how life is changing for those residents. Brad Dake, the chair of the Adirondack Park Regional Assessment Project, joined Liz Benjamin to talk about the report’s findings.
- BEVILACQUA RESIGNS AS HARRIETSTOWN SUPERVISOR – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Chris Knight reports that Bob Bevilacqua has resigned as supervisor of the town of Harrietstown due to a family health issue, according to a press release issued by the town.
- DOHENY POLL PUTS HIM AHEAD – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Joe LoTemplio reports that a poll conducted by Republican Matt Doheny shows that he is the frontrunner in the race for the November election for 21st Congressional District seat, but there is no mention of how he stands in next month’s primary.
- DAY QUESTIONS SHARED SERVICES BUILDING – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that residents of Tupper Lake are concerned that the village is spending more than it can afford on a new shared-services building for the police and fire departments.
- LOCAL AIRPORTS WIN $1.1M IN FEDERAL FUNDS – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
A staff report notes that the Adirondack Regional Airport and the Lake Placid Airport have been awarded a combined $1.1 million in funding for a series of upgrades.
- TOWN OF PLATTSBURGH TO FORM FINANCE COMMITTEE – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Dan Heath reports that the Plattsburgh Town Council has authorized formation of a Town Finance Committee.
- SULLIVAN LEAVING EFFECTIVENY TO COORDINATE CAMPAIGNING EFFORTS FOR GOV. CUOMO, A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Jaegun Lee reports that former Oswego Mayor John T. Sullivan Jr. is leaving the EffectiveNY research organization to become the upstate coordinator for the campaigns of fellow Democrats, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
- NEW CITY DIRECTOR HIRED – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Joe LoTemplio reports that the City of Plattsburgh has hired Bruce Lawson, a former City Council candidate, as the new temporary director of the Community Development Office.
- DEC ADOPTS BLACK BEAR PLAN, SEEKS COMMENTS ON NEW RULES – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has adopted a ten-year black bear management plan which outlines the principles and methods used to monitor and manage black bear populations in New York and is designed to provide strategic guidance for the DEC’s activities.
- FORMER REP. KATHY HOCHUL IS CUOMO’S PICK FOR LT. GOVERNOR – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Karen DeWitt reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has revealed his choice for lieutenant governor in a video address to delegates at the Democratic State Party convention on Long Island.
- POLL SHOWS BIG CUOMO LEAD HEADING INTO CONVENTION – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
The Associated Press reports that a poll, released as New York state Democrats kick off their nominating convention, shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo retaining a commanding lead over Republican candidate Rob Astorino.
- STATE GRANTS MILLIONS TO FIX UP HOMES – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that North Country municipalities and nonprofit groups received 16 state grants totaling almost $5.5 million to repair and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income residents.
- TUPPER LAKE DAM APPRAISAL SPARKS DISCUSSION – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that the final appraisal for the 7-acre Setting Pole Dam parcel came in at $700,000, but some residents think the town should keep it.
- BASSMASTER RATING OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN CONTINUES TO SLIP – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Matheus Honorato reports that Lake Champlain’s rating as a bass fishery has dropped drastically in the last two years.
- ESSEX COUNTY LAWMAKERS, NY21 CANDIDATES SOUND OFF ON THE ISSUES FACING THEIR COMMUNITIES – Adirondack Journal ( Warrensburg, NY) Website
Reporter Pete DeMola reports that the four Congressional hopefuls for New York’s 21st district have given responses to where they stand on some of the issues that Essex County officials have said are important to them.
- GRAYING OF ADIRONDACKS PRESENTS FUTURE CHALLENGES – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Reporter Brian Nearing reports that according to a report issued by the Adirondack Park Regional Assessment Project, the Adirondacks are heading toward a future of fewer full-time residents, with a mix tilting each year toward more older people and retirees, and fewer school-aged kids and young families.
- NEW MOBILE APP HELPS HUNTERS, ANGLERS IN NEW YORK – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
The Associated Press reports that a free mobile application is now available to provide up-to-date information on fishing, hunting, wildlife watching and other outdoor activities in New York state.
- REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SPONSORS FUNDING WORKSHOP – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
A staff report notes that a workshop will be held by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council on May 20 for those interested in applying for funds through the fourth round of the state’s regional economic development grants.
- TOWN OF JAY PLANNING BOARD’S FUTURE UNSURE – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Lohr McKinstry reports that the Jay Town Council will be holding a special meeting on Monday May 19 to discuss and pass a local law allowing the council to take over the function of the Planning Board.
- ADIRONDACK PARK POPULATION DECLINES, AVERAGE AGE INCREASES, NEW REPORT SHOWS – North Country Now ( Potsdam, NY) Website
A staff report notes that a new report entitled "The Adirondack Park Regional Assessment 2014: Seeking Balance," identifies four trends, including continued population decline, that are shaping life inside the Adirondack Park.
- BOAT INSPECTIONS NOW MANDATORY ON LAKE GEORGE – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
The Associated Press reports that all trailered boats entering Lake George are required to be inspected for aquatic hitchhikers under a law that took effect Thursday.
- NY GIVES $9M FOR FLOOD CONTROL – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Kim Smith-Dedam reports that state reconstruction funding will deliver $9 million for flood protection in Keene and Jay.
- ADIRONDACK COUNCIL PRAISES $20.5M FARM CONSERVATION PROGRAM – Adirondack Council ( Elizabethtown, NY) Website
A press release notes that the Adirondack Park’s largest environmental organization applauded the Cuomo Administration today for heeding the organization’s call to reinvigorate the state’s highly successful farmland conservation program.
- SCHUMER SEEKS EPA GUIDANCE ON TOXIC ALGAE POTENTIAL IN LAKES, PONDS – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
Reporter Scott Donnelly reports that in addition to pushing the EPA for better guidance to water treatment plants regarding cyanobacteria, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling for the agency to develop criteria for cyanobacteria in lakes and rivers nationwide.
- GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Ted Booker reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that $20.5 million in grant funding to aid farmland protection efforts is now available for municipalities, soil and water districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations to apply for.
- ESSEX COUNTY SUPERVISORS FAVOR STEFANIK – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Matthew Turner reports that Elise Stefanik, Republican candidate for New York’s 21st Congressional District, has captured 14 out of 18 supervisors’ endorsements in Essex County.
- SEA LAMPREY BARRIER IN PLACE – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
A staff report notes that a new state-of-the-art barrier has been put in place in the Quebec community of Notre-Dame-de-Stanbridge to help protect Lake Champlain from the spread of sea lamprey, a parasitic fish which is considered to be a danger to native lake trout and Atlantic salmon.
- IN NEW FILM, STUDENTS ARE GUIDES TO ADK CLIMATE CHANGE – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
A staff report notes that Mountain Lake PBS and Bright Blue EcoMedia have teamed up to make a new documentary looking at the effects of climate change in the Adirondacks and the next generation working to make a difference.
- INTELLIGENCE CENTER IN THE WORKS – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne is pushing for an intelligence-sharing center to help law-enforcement agencies in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties better use their resources.
- TIMOTHY DUFFY NAMED DEC LAW ENFORCEMENT DIRECTOR – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced the appointment of Timothy A. Duffy to the position of director of the Division of Law Enforcement.
- FRONTIER TOWN TAX SALE CANCELLED – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Lohr McKinstry reports that the Frontier Town theme park will not be sold to the highest bidder from the recent tax auction, but will instead go to the Town of North Hudson where it is located.
- WILL THE FINCH LAND DEAL REALLY BOOST THE ADK ECONOMY? – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Brian Mann reports that some local leaders and tourism experts say big questions and challenges remain an issue for the Finch Pruyn land deal, noting that there is doubt that large numbers of jobs or new businesses will be created as a result.
- UPDATE ON RECENT STATE LAND ACQUISITIONS – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
Reporter Phil Brown reports that the state has completed another purchase of former Finch, Pruyn timberlands, totaling 8,500 acres, and though the deal is not as momentous as previous Finch deals, bigger things are on the horizon.
- NRCC: GRIMM FUNDS MAY GO TO 21ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Daniel Flatley reports that amid reports that the National Republican Congressional Committee will cut off funds to Rep. Michael Grimm, R-Staten Island, the NRCC may shift those funds initially allocated to Rep. Grimm to the 21st District of New York.
- RAILWAY SALE COMES AS A SHOCK TO COUNTY OFFICIALS – Adirondack Journal ( Warrensburg, NY) Website
Reporter Mauranda Stahl-Sorensen reports that Iowa Pacific Rail, the parent company to the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, has agreed to sell an 80 percent interest to Chai Trust Co. LLC and EGI Fund Investors.
- FIGHTING INVASIVE SPECIES – The Leader-Herald ( Gloversville, NY) Website
Reporter Arthur Cleveland reports that New York state is considering a proposed regulation that would require boaters to drain boats and remove all plant and animal material from boats, trailers and equipment before launching at or leaving a state boat launch.
- BURKE OUT OF RACE FOR CONGRESS – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Matthew Turner reports that a state Supreme Court Judge has dismissed Stephen Burke’s appeal of a decision by the state Board of Elections to disqualify in from a Democratic Party primary in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
- ECONOMIC COUNCIL HEAD TO TALK TO COUNTY BOARD – The Leader-Herald ( Gloversville, NY) Website
Reporter Michael Anich reports that head of the six-county Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, which doles out millions of dollars in state funding to the region, will address the Fulton County Board of Supervisors on Monday at the County Office Building.
- NY LISTS 51 BRIDGES NEEDING UPGRADES, RETROFITS – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
The Associated Press reports that New York officials have identified 51 bridges statewide most at risk from repeated flooding, saying they need upgrades and retrofits that will cost more than $257 million. An estimated $193 million will be paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency if all are approved for grants.
- NEW STATE LAW PROTECTS BOATERS (Editorial) – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
The Press-Republican editorial board writes that beginning this month, those born on or after May 1, 1996 will be required to earn a Boating Safety Certificate before operating a boat in New York state.
- FEDS ORER DISCLOSURE OF CRUDE OIL TRAIN SHIPMENTS – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter David Sommerstein reports that according to a new order released by the U.S. Department of Transportation, railroads will have to tell emergency responders when and where shipments of crude oil are traveling on the rails.
- LAKE PLACID VILLAGE GOVERNMENT WINS NYCOM AWARD – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Matthew Turner reports that the Lake Placid village government has won a second-place award from the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials its Chubb River dam removal and trunk sewer line project.
- DEC ISSUES HIGH PEAKS MUDDY TRAILS ADVISORY – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an advisory urging hikers to avoid hikers to avoid high-elevation trails above 3,000 feet in the Dix, Giant and High Peaks Wilderness areas in the northern Adirondacks.
- HUNTING OR TRAPPING OF WILD BOARS IN NYS NOW PROHIBITED – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that the New York State DEC has formally adopted a new regulation that prohibits hunting or trapping of free-ranging Eurasian boars.
- DONAH JOINS TOURISM COMMITTEE – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that Tupper Lake village Trustee Rick Donah has been named the newest member of Franklin County’s Tourism Advisory Committee.
- VARIANCE FOR NEW DOCKS? – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Chris Knight reports that the former Crescent Bay Marina will open next week under new ownership noting that LS Marina LLC has applied for a variance to nearly double the number of covered docks on the marina after a battle with the state Adirondack Park Agency.
- DOHENY CHALLENGES OPPONENTS – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Joe LoTemplio reports that Congressional candidate Matt Doheny is challenging his opponents to take a pledge not to raise taxes.
- CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE RESPONDS TO OPPONENT’S CHALLENGE – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Joe LoTemplio reports that in response to a challenge presented by Matt Doheny, one of the Republican candidates vying for the 21st Congressional District seat, Elise Stefanik has said she has no interest in signing any pledges promising not to raise taxes, saying she will make her own pledge to the voters of the 21st District.
- COUNTY, TOWNS COULD GET MILLIONS IN MOHAWK SETTLEMENT – WWNY-TV (Channel 7) ( Canton, NY) Website
A staff report notes that as a settlement deal is worked out between the state and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, St. Lawrence County and the towns of Massena and Brasher would be in line for a "significant" part of the settlement.
- COMMENTS SOUGHT ON JAY MTN WILDERNESS MINING PLAN – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that the Adirondack Park Agency is accepting public comment on State Land Master Plan conformance for the recently submitted amendment to the 2010 Jay Mountain Wilderness Unit Management Plan.
- LAKE PLACID HOSPITAL TO MOVE TO PART-TIME HOURS – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that Adirondack Health has announced that the Lake Placid Hospital Emergency Department will move to part-time hours beginning June 16.
- STATE TO REPAIR ADIRONDACK DAMS – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
A staff report notes that the state will spend $1.6 million on dam improvement projects in eight locations around New York, including several in the North Country.
- NO GREEN, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES IN NY21 RACE – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Brian Mann reports that it appears that there will not be primary contests for Democrat or Green Party candidates in this year’s 21st Congressional District race.
- U.S. REP. BILL OWENS AND HILL ELECTRIC CEO TO AID LOCAL ENTERPRISES IN EXPORTING – Adirondack Journal ( Warrensburg, NY) Website
Reporter Thom Randall reports that after talking recently with a local businessman who is successfully marketing American-made products overseas, U.S. Rep. Bill Owens has pledged to sponsor a workshop where area entrepreneurs can learn how to develop foreign trade.
- FULTON COUNTY WEIGHS $1.2M ENERGY UPGRADE – The Leader-Herald ( Gloversville, NY) Website
Reporter Michael Anich reports that the Fulton County government is considering signing a $1.2 million contract with a Clifton Park firm to upgrade energy needs throughout county buildings.
- US ATTORNEY SUBPOENAS DOCUMENTS FROM STATE ETHICS PANEL – NCPR ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Karen DeWitt reports that U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has subpoenaed records from the state ethics panel created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York state legislature.
- FOURTH STATEWIDE FUNDING COMPETITION LAUNCHED – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
A staff report notes that the competition for a share of up to $750 million in Regional Economic Development Council funding and incentives is underway.
- APA SEEKS COMMENTS ON JAY WILDERNESS AMENDMENT – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
A staff report notes that in light of voter-approved mining, the state Adirondack Park Agency is accepting public comment on a proposed amendment to the Jay Mountain Wilderness Unit Management Plan.
- ADIRONDACK GROUP PRAISES SUPREME COURT DECISION ON MIDWEST POWER PLANTS – NCPR ( Canton, NY) website
Reporter Brian Mann reports that an environmental group in the Adirondacks is praising the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on power plant pollution.
- TUPPER LAKE DAM’S VALUE RAISED – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) website
Reporter Shaun Kittle reports that the the value of the 7-acre Setting Pole Dam parcel has increased from $436,000 to $687,000.