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No comments at APA hearing on Lake Placid reclassification

This image shows a conceptual design for a proposed housing complex at the former W. Alton Jones Cell Science Center on Barn Road, Lake Placid. This image was created by the Chazen Companies and Edgcomb Design on behalf of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. (Image provided by the town of North Elba)

LAKE PLACID — A virtual public hearing hosted by the state Adirondack Park Agency on Friday, on a proposed reclassification of land to make way for a new housing development in Lake Placid, drew more than 20 listeners but no specific comments on the proposal.

The agency will accept public comment until May 30.

The town of North Elba on on Jan. 30 submitted a map amendment request that would make it easier for a private developer to build a mix of new housing options at the former W. Alton Jones Cell Science Center. Though the town submitted the request, the town transferred its exclusive option to buy the Old Barn Road property to a company owned by private developer Joseph Barile more than one month ago. Barile was chosen by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism to develop the property into housing that would be used for athletes during the 2023 World University Games, then for long-term housing.

The town’s request, if approved by the APA board, would see 34.5 acres of the private property reclassified from moderate intensity use to hamlet, the park’s least restrictive land-use classification.

A public hearing on the request drew just one question related to the project, from a neighbor who asked for more information on how the development may impact her property specifically. APA Environmental Program Specialist Matthew Kendall asked her to send questions to the agency directly.

A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement containing detailed information regarding the proposal is also available on the agency’s homepage, www.apa.ny.gov.

The public is encouraged to submit comments to Kendall in writing to MapAmendment_comments@apa.ny.gov or by voicemail at 518-304-6168.

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