Proposed design of Lake Flower Resort (Image provided)

SARANAC LAKE — The state Adirondack Park Agency has started the ball rolling on its decision-making process for a proposed shoreline resort on Lake Flower.

The agency has scheduled a public hearing on a variance request from Saranac Lake Resort LLC, which is planning a 93-room, 90,000-square-foot, four-story hotel on the site of three existing motels: the Lake Flower Inn, the Lake Side Motel and the Adirondack Motel.

The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at the Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake. There will also be an informal public informational meeting on the proposed Saranac Lake Resort and Spa at 10 a.m. the same day.

Saranac Lake Resort LLC is asking for a variance from the agency’s shoreline setback requirements. Among the areas that would be within 50 feet of the shoreline are a 900-square-foot portion of a proposed lakeside restaurant, a 117-foot portion of a sidewalk, a 337-square-foot paver walkway and fences, a 307-square-foot pergola and walkway, a 1,982-square-foot hot tub with attached fire pits, 297-square-feet of hotel balconies and a 131-square-foot walkway to a private dock.

A public comment period on the project ends Jan. 12. Written comments can be submitted to Tracy Darrah, Adirondack Park Agency, P.O. Box 99, Ray Brook, NY 12977.