****************************************** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ****************************************

Stephan McNally
President

Adirondack Association of Towns And Villages
(518) 312-6732
http://adirondackassociationtownsvillages.com

Gerald Delaney
Executive Director

Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board
518-569-7800
https://adkreviewboard.com/

 Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages with the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board are clearly registering their stance against Bill number S1145.  Commonly referred to the Conservation Subdivision Design Bill.

We realize there are documents from 2020 that has the AATV and APLGRBR as signatory supporting this, Bill. We, the AATV and APLRGB feel an explanation is necessary to understand our evolving position.

The AATV and APLGRB last signed support for the CD Bill in early 2020.

The AATV and APLGRB were asked to attempt to create a possible CD Bill with other Adirondack Stakeholders. We were asked to try to get to a place that then Senator Betty Little could take over and finish writing the Bill with Assemblyman Englebright. Our signature indicated that we had reached that point. We were unable to move the proposed Bill any further.

Since 2020, there have been many changes to both the AATV and APLGRB, both in membership and in the President/Chair positions. The members of both Boards have made it clear; they do not support the CD Bill.

Senator Little is no longer in office. No one has reached out to see if we support the Bill or are interested in renegotiating it after becoming aware of the vocal concerns of others in 2020. It is our understanding that every Adirondack State elected leader from the Assembly and Senate does not support the CD Bill.   

As you may be aware, the AATV was created to represent Towns and Villages due to legislative initiatives like this. The APLGRB has a statutory requirement of advising and assisting the APA. As we watch the APA administer the Large Subdivision Permit Application, it is clear that they follow the principles of Conservation Design.

With S1145, there are questions about an Illegal taking that a mandatory Bill might create. The provision of year-round ecological studies, will only drive up the cost of housing, further hurting our worker housing stock. This will also create in some instances a voluntary loss of property value as long term; less sophisticated property owners choose to stay under the minimum lot numbers to avoid triggering the jurisdiction of the CD Bill. The lack of willingness by some of the stakeholders to tie a Transferrable Development Rights Bill, calls into question if the bonus lots will ever be realized.

In summary, the AATV and APLGRB never thought they were working on a final CD Bill. Over 4 years, many conversations have been had with various Stakeholders. These Stakeholders have pointed out issues with the CD BILL that would harm them financially if the Bill is passed as is. For these reasons and others. We are strongly opposed to this bill as written.

We respectfully request this Bill, S1145 not be moved in the senate.

Sincerely,

Stephan McNally |  President |  Adirondack Association of Towns And Villages

Gerald Delaney  |  Executive Director  |  Adirondack Park Local Review Board