Lake Placid: Balancing Growth and Preservation in the Adirondacks
The Adirondack Explorer, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to the stewardship of the Adirondack Park, recently reported on key developments impacting the Lake Placid region. These include a significant affordable housing project and ongoing debates surrounding land use and environmental protection.
New Affordable Housing Project Approved in North Elba
The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) unanimously approved a much-needed affordable housing project in the town of North Elba, near Lake Placid. If approved by the town’s planning board next month, the ‘Fox Hill’ development will add 22 homes to the area. This project, spearheaded by Homestead Development Corp., a Lake Placid-based nonprofit, builds upon their previous success with the Fawn Valley townhomes in Lake Placid.
Fox Hill will feature 16 cape-style single-family homes and three duplexes, all connected to municipal water and sewer systems. The homes are priced to be accessible, ranging from $220,000 to $270,000, for applicants meeting income restrictions (200% of the Area Medium Income, or less than $183,800 for a four-person household). This addresses a critical need for workforce housing in the region.
Environmental Considerations and APA Review
While the project received unanimous approval from the APA, concerns were raised regarding potential traffic increases. However, a traffic study submitted by Homestead Development Corp. projected minimal congestion impact. Discussions also centered on the development’s proximity to wetlands, with some questioning whether the need for affordable housing influenced the review process.
Devan Korn, an environmental program specialist with the APA, assured board members that the development would not negatively impact the wetlands, and that improvements to an existing culvert would actually enhance environmental protection. The housing density was acknowledged as tight, but legally permissible.
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Artillery Testing Range Debate Continues
In other news, the APA also voted to allow Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve to participate in a special hearing regarding a proposed artillery testing range in the town of Lewis. Unconventional Concepts Inc., a private military consulting firm, is seeking permission to test-fire howitzers in Essex County. This has sparked significant opposition from environmental groups.
Despite legal challenges from the firm’s attorney, the APA upheld the administrative law judge’s decision to allow Adirondack Wild’s participation in the hearing, which is scheduled to begin on April 22nd. A related lawsuit alleging conflicts of interest is also pending in state Supreme Court.
APA Staffing Updates
The APA is nearing full staffing levels, with 53 out of 59 positions filled, following recent resignations. The agency also welcomed Mary Newman Fox as a new assistant public information officer, bringing valuable experience in video and multimedia journalism from UC Berkeley.
Learn more about the Adirondack Park and the work of the Adirondack Explorer: Adirondack Explorer Website
The Adirondack Explorer continues to provide vital reporting and analysis on the complex issues facing the Adirondack Park, ensuring its lasting protection and public enjoyment for all.
