For Immediate Release: November 18, 2002
Contact:
Victoria Hristovski | Director Public Information | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK - After nearly ten years of serving the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) as a Commissioner, then as Chairman, Mr. Lefebvre announced his resignation on Thursday, November 14th, 2002 at the APA's monthly meeting. The Chairman explained he felt it was time to move onto the next chapter of his life and to spend more time with his family, and that the resignation was for the purposes of retirement.
"There's no one specific reason for the decision," Chairman Lefebvre said Thursday morning, "My wife and I are making plans to travel and spend more time with our three grandchildren. I've been with the Agency for almost ten years, and it's just time to consider moving on."
Mr. Lefebvre was appointed as a commissioner to the Agency in July 1993, and appointed Chairman in February, 1998. He was also appointed by Governor Pataki in August 1998 to serve on the Theodore Roosevelt Commission, and by Lieutenant Governor Donohue in May 2000 to serve on the Quality Communities Task Force.
During his tenure with the Agency, Mr. Lefebvre forged many partnerships with local government officials, other state agencies, and a variety of groups both nationally and internationally who have expressed interest in the unique characteristics of the Park.
"Although I feel it's time to begin the next chapter of my life, I am really going to miss the people I've encountered throughout my time here," Chairman Lefebvre said and added, "And I am certainly going to miss the people I've worked with and have grown to care about. I am tremendously thankful to all those who have contributed to my success here and wish the next Chairman all the joys and successes I've been fortunate enough to encounter."
Commissioners at this month's meeting shared their thoughts and appreciation for the Chairman, giving him a standing ovation for his years of diligent service and commitment.
"People now care for the Park, because (the Chairman) cared for the people," Commissioner Deanne Rehm said on Thursday.
Adirondack Local Government Review Board's Executive Director, Joe Rota, said, "You've always had the acceptance and respect of the Local Government Review Board. You have done an exemplary job and made things a little easier in the Adirondacks, for everyone."
Chairman Lefebvre was also recognized by staff in a resolution acknowledging his success at the Agency, and how much he will be missed.
Two certificates were issued on Thursday morning, one in appreciation to Jeff Trudeau, with the Department of Correctional Services in Camp Gabriels. Mr. Trudeau for his contributions in the upkeep of the Agency's building and grounds this summer, the other, a Certificate of Recognition celebrating the partnership between the Adirondack Park Agency and the AuSable River Association was also presented.
Two projects were approved at this month's Agency meeting, one for a new building in the Town of Keene, in Essex County, the other in the Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County. The Town of Keene project involves the construction of a new public building, a one-story 9,200 square-foot garage at the existing transfer station located off Schaffer Road. The project will include installation of a new water supply well and wastewater treatment system. Commissioner Cecil Wray excused himself from the room during discussion and consideration of the project because he is a local land owner in the Town of Keene. By the same token, Agency Counsel John Banta removed himself from discussions and consideration regarding his project involving the construction of a single family dwelling on a 1.02-acre vacant preexisting lot of record. Assistant Counsel Barbara Rottier reviewed the project in Mr. Banta's place.
During the State Lands Committee meeting, Members were presented with the final revisions to the Bog River Unit Management Plan (UMP). No Agency action was taken on the item and it is expected to come before the Agency again in January to determine State Land Master Plan compliance. Also during the State Lands Committee meeting, a draft public comment policy for UMP public comments/review was discussed. The comment policy allows for extending the comment period on a proposed UMP if an Agency decision on a specific UMP is postponed for any reason. The comment period would end one week prior to the Agency meeting at which a final determination on State Land Master Plan compliance would be made. Agency members took no action on the proposed draft.
The Agency accepted the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement prepared by staff for the proposed Enforcement Regulations. The Agency held five public hearings this fall for the proposed regulation changes. Next, the proposed Enforcement Regulation changes will be published in the New York State Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), and brought to the Agency again next month for possible final determination.
Town of Bolton officials introduced the town's comprehensive plan to Agency Board members. The group discussed the community plan and planning process, the community's assets, and the vision of the comprehensive plan, and focused on all aspects of the community that affect the quality of life. At the end of the presentation, Town of Bolton representatives and their consultant, the Saratoga Group, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board.
On Friday, November 15, Agency Members, Designees, and staff gathered to view a slide-show presentation of the Chairman's years at the Agency. Commissioner Katherine Roberts unveiled a "Wall of Pride" contribution that also reflected pictures of the Chairman's tenure.
The next Agency meeting will be held December 12 and 13, 2002 at the Adirondack Park Agency headquarters in Ray Brook. For more information, please call (518) 891-4050, ext. 173.