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Saranac Lake village board seeks Development Board members

SARANAC LAKE — This village’s Board of Trustees is seeking three new members to join the Development Board.

“We need you,” Deputy Mayor Melinda Little said in a press release, extending an open invitation to Saranac Lakers on behalf of Mayor Clyde Rabideau and the Board of Trustees. “These are vital volunteer positions for the village.”

Under New York state law, the village board is responsible for approving Development Board members, the village said in a press release Tuesday. The mayor has nominated people to that board in the past, but Rabideau recently withdrew from the process after Duprey Street residents objected to housing units he was planning to build on that street. With that project, two Development Board members had to recuse themselves because they are related to Rabideau through marriage. Rabideau planned to hand the responsibility of picking Development Board members to Paul Blaine, the development code administrator on the village staff, but apparently state law says the village board must lead the process.

Little asked anyone interested to submit a resume with a letter of interest and relevant experience to planning@saranaclakeny.gov. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. For more information, call Blaine at 518-891-4150 ext. 236.

“All applications will be given consideration,” said Little, adding, “Letters of interest for unsuccessful candidates will be kept on file for consideration of future Development Board vacancies.”

“In my view, the fundamental role of the Development Board is to facilitate sound development in the village,” Little said. “The board is also the gatekeeper to protect our community from poorly designed or improperly located development based on local zoning requirements. Ensuring this balance is key, and the village board seeks candidates with a range of experience, skills, expertise and perspectives to help the village achieve these goals.”

According to Little, “We need a board that is nimble and decisive, with members focused on faithfully applying the facts and the law in their review of proposed development. The Development Board is supported by village staff, whose job is to help applicants develop projects that meet applicable standards for review by the Development Board. When this process works, good projects can happen quickly.”

She concluded by saying: “Volunteers are Saranac Lake’s heart and soul, and we are grateful to everyone who steps forward to support the village and gives of their time for the community. We need you!”

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