For Immediate Release: December 6, 2005
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – Adirondack Park Agency to hold second Workforce/Affordable housing forum this Friday, December 9, 2005 at the Paul Smiths Visitor Interpretive Center. The forum entitled “Seeking Solutions – Local Government Initiatives, Partnerships and Land Use Tools” will start at 9:00 AM.
During the Adirondack Park Agency’s November meeting, the Economic Affairs Committee hosted a forum, which helped define the needs and the economics of workforce/affordable housing inside the Adirondack Park. Panelists agreed that escalating land costs, focus on second home development, local and regional land use regulations, resistance to multi-family residential development and infrastructure needs are significant obstacles limiting development of affordable housing.
Adirondack Park Agency Chairman Ross Whaley said, “Our November discussion focused on problems. This month we will focus on solutions. Moving forward, the Agency is committed to collaborating with all involved parties to ensure planning efforts result in affordable, quality housing for Adirondack communities."
This Friday, December 9, the Local Government Services Committee will host a follow-up forum that presents recent initiatives and partnerships between communities and housing organizations. Local officials will discuss experiences and community plans designed to increase the availability of affordable housing in their towns. The Department of State and Adirondack Park Agency staff will participate and detail a variety of land use tools such as inclusionary zoning, incentive zoning, cluster provisions and approved local land use programs to address zoning density issues.
Panelists and guests will include: Tom Both, Town Supervisor, Keene; William Johnston, Planning Board Chair, Westport; Mark Bergman, Planning Board, Johnsburg; Brian Cassini of Comlinks, Malone; Scott Campbell of Friends of the North Country, Keeseville; Alan Hipps, Executive Director for the Housing Assistance Program of Essex County; Erik Miller from the NYS Department of State and James Connolly, APA Deputy Director for Planning. Additional resource people have been invited to participate in the discussion.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend. For more information please see the Agency’s website: www.apa.state.ny.us/Current_Activities.htm#Workforce