For Immediate Release: October 25, 2005
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - Adirondack Park Agency plans affordable housing forums and collaborates with Governor’s Office for Small Cities to disseminate information on GOSC upcoming community development grant round.
During the next two monthly meetings, the Adirondack Park Agency will address priority community development needs for Adirondack towns and villages. The Agency’s Economic Affairs and Local Government Services Committees will hold two workforce-housing forums in early November and December.
At the November 4 Agency meeting, an expert panel will discuss specific housing needs facing employees from different sectors of the North Country economy. The panel will also discuss challenges facing developers seeking to create affordable housing. “The towns and villages nestled across the Park are unique, authentic communities, said Agency Chairman Ross Whaley. Rising housing costs are creating hardships for working Adirondack families, threatening to alter the character of these special neighborhoods. As the regional land use planning agency, we will assist local governments address this critical issue.”
During the December 9 Agency meeting, a panel discussion will follow-up on questions posed in November and identify measures, consistent with the APA act, to increase affordable housing within the Park. The discussion will include presentations on grant and planning initiatives available to local governments.
Executive Director, Richard Lefebvre stated, “The agency is responsible for developing long-range Park policy that balances preservation of the Park’s resources and open space character with the needs of local communities. Affordable housing is the cornerstone to sustainable communities. These workshops will keep momentum moving in a balanced direction.”
Both meetings are scheduled for 9:00 – 11:00 AM and will take place at the Agency’s Paul Smiths Visitors Interpretive Center. For detailed information, see the Agency’s website at: http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Current_Activities.htm#Workforce
In addition to these efforts, on November 2 the Agency will host the Governor’s Office for Small Cities 2006 annual workshop. The Governor's Office for Small Cities administers the Community Development Block Grant Program for the State of New York. The Community Development Block Grant Program provides grants to eligible cities, towns, and villages with a population under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000 to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and economic opportunities and or improve community facilities and services. Application workshops are a traditional part of the GOSC calendar, as they provide an opportunity for communities to discuss an individual application with GOSC staff and to learn of any changes in the Small Cities Program application requirements.
This year the North Country workshop will be held in the Adirondack Park Agency’s conference room. The workshop will take place from 11 – 1pm.
Governor’s Office for Small Cities Executive Director Glen King said, “We are thrilled that the Agency has invited us to use their facility. This is an excellent example of state agencies collaborating to better serve the citizens of this great state. We look forward to a continued positive working relationship with the Park Agency.”
Richard Lefebvre, Adirondack Park Agency Executive Director, said, “We have a lot of exciting events planned that will benefit our local communities. We are pleased to assist the Governor’s Office for Small Cities with their important mission of enhancing Adirondack communities.”
(See attachment for further details or go to Agency’s website - http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Current_Activities.htm#Workforce )