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Four teens charged with Cell Science Center break-in

The buildings of the former W. Alton Jones Cell Science Center are seen in February 2020. (Enterprise photo — Elizabeth Izzo)

LAKE PLACID — Four teens have been charged with felonies after allegedly breaking into the former W. Alton Jones Cell Science Center and vandalizing the place in November.

The only one of them named by New York State Police was Remi P. Borden, a 19-year-old from Lake Placid. The other three are 18 years old.

New York State Police Troop B Public Information Officer Jennifer Fleishman told the Enterprise on Friday that State Police initially responded to the facility on Old Barn Road on Nov. 22, 2020, after the fire alarm was triggered.

The Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department was first on scene and found broken windows, spray paint on the walls and used fire extinguishers.

The teens were found and each charged with third-degree burglary by State Police at various times on various dates. The first teen was arrested on Dec. 23, 2020. The second teen was arrested on Jan. 7, 2021. The third teen was arrested on Jan. 15. Borden was the last to be arrested on Jan. 21.

All four teens were arraigned in North Elba town court and released with appearance tickets.

The former Cell Science Center property is where local developer Joseph Barile is planning to build a massive new housing complex dubbed The Peaks at Lake Placid.

The 355-unit complex would first be used as athlete housing for the 2023 World University Games before it’s converted to residential housing. The project is still under review by the local Joint Review Board, the state Adirondack Park Agency and a variety of state and local departments.

The existing Cell Science Center buildings would be demolished under the plan.

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