For Immediate Release: September 10, 2008
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – The Adirondack Park Agency will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12 at the Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters in Ray Brook, NY.
The Full Agency will convene on Thursday morning at 9:00 for the Acting Executive Director’s monthly report.
At 9:15, the Regulatory Programs Committee will consider adopting a conceptual review opinion for the Whiteface Overlook LLC. proposal involving the conversion of a pre-existing resort hotel into single family residential use. The applicant proposes to remove a hotel structure from the site and replace it with three new structures each containing four, three bedroom dwelling units. The project in located along State Route 86, across from Whiteface Mountain, in the Town of Wilmington, Essex County. Key issues include project eligibility for density exemption through the conversion principles of the APA Act, public water supply, on-site wastewater treatment and stormwater management. The Agency is holding a legislative hearing on September 10, at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area base lodge, to obtain additional public comment. The committee will formulate a conceptual review opinion only and not determine approvability at this time.
The Committee will then consider approvability for a timber salvage project proposed by the Rayonier Company for portions of their landholding in St. Lawrence County. Rayonier is proposing a salvage harvest to remove dying and damaged trees in four separate management areas in their Grasse River Forest in the towns of Piercefield and Colton. Key issues include the need for the proposed salvage operation, the economics of the project, the impacts on flora and fauna and the need for buffers from wetlands and stream corridors.
At 11:00, the Park Policy and Planning Committee will hear a panel discussion on New York State energy programs. Representatives from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will detail programs and examples of energy saving practices.
At 1:00, the State Land Committee will consider State Land Master Plan compliance for DEC’s proposed amendment to the Bog River Complex Unit Management Plan. The proposed amendment would regulate the timing, frequency and location of floatplane access on Lows Lake through a mandatory permit system. Under this alternative, floatplane access to Lows Lake would continue for a set period of time subject to restrictions set forth in an annual permitting process administered by DEC.
At 2:30, the Regulatory Programs Committee will continue its deliberations with consideration for a 48 lot subdivision proposed by Adirondack Homes, LLC. including 44 building lots ranging in size from 0.9± acres to 47± acres. A private airport is proposed as part of the project and some building lots would include airplane hangers in addition to the residential structures. The project is located in the Town of Webb, Herkimer County. Key issues include the number of allowable principal buildings on each lot, the location of wells and wastewater treatment systems, the environmental impacts and the economic benefits of an airport subdivision.
The Committee will then consider a large scale project called Tall Timbers at North Creek. This proposal consists of seven single family dwellings on individually owned lots; 17 multiple family dwellings (townhouses) containing a total of 66 dwelling units on lands to be owned by a homeowners association; and a lodge/restaurant containing 25 tourist accommodation units (rooms), a 150-seat restaurant/conference room, lounge, fitness center and swimming pool. The project is located in the Town of Johnsburg, Warren County. Key issues include impacts to wetlands, the ability of local government to provide facilities and services, impact on local roads and impacts to adjoining and nearby land uses.
The Regulatory Programs Committee will conclude with review and consideration for another Verizon Wireless telecommunication project for the Northway corridor. This project involves the construction of a 61 foot tower near the base of Poko-Moonshine Mountain. This tower is located in the Town of Chesterfield, Essex County. Key issues include whether the proposed tower should be designed as a simulated pine tree to minimize the visual impact and comply with the Agency’s Telecommunications and Tall Towers Policy.
On Friday, September 12 at 8:30 a.m., the Park Policy and Planning Committee will convene for three technical map amendments including lands under the jurisdiction of the Hudson River Black River Regulating District.
At 10:00, the Legal Affairs Committee will review the 2002 "boathouse" definition and consider possible regulatory revisions in light of experience with implementation.
The Full Agency will convene at 11:00 to conclude its meeting with committee reports and take actions as necessary.
Meeting materials are available for download from the Agency’s website at:
http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Mailing/0809/index.htm
The next Agency meeting is October 9-10, 2008 at the Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters.
November Agency Meeting - November 13-14, 2008, Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters.