To the editor:

I am writing this letter in response to information I have obtained from Mr. Mike Damp regarding a new and pending lawsuit in the form of a challenge to the approval of the LS Marina revitalization project by the Adirondack Park Agency. The lawsuit is being filed by Mr. Jorling, resident on Lower Saranac Lake in Ampersand Bay. I am a full-time resident of Lake Placid, former principal of Lake Placid Middle-High School, boat owner and member of the former Duso’s, now Saranac Lake Marina, on Lower Saranac Lake for the past 20 years.

I have personally witnessed the decay of the marina over several years. Covered docks were literally falling apart and into the lake. They became too dangerous to walk on, and our boat had to be brought to the open dock so we could enjoy the lake that day. At one point, there was no mechanic or fuel for members. Cabins to the west side of the main marina in Crescent Bay were falling apart as well. It was disheartening to see this beautiful location change for the worse over the years.

When Mr. Damp and LS Marina LLC, became the new owners of the property, we saw an immediate improvement. The removal of the “old” fixed docks replaced with floating docks, the new fueling station, the addition of a full-time excellent marine mechanic and the revitalization of existing structures were some of the “permitted” improvements that encouraged me to remain a member and keep my boat at the marina. We learned about proposed improvements to both marina locations, green technology and environmentally friendly procedures in the future. A proposed milfoil removal and management plan, removal of debris underwater in both locations, covered floating docks, ecotours on the lake, paddleboats and rental pontoon boats are all part of the project already approved by the APA, Harrietstown review board and Department of Environmental Conservation. APA approval came in September 2020.

This came after seven years of submissions of scientific studies, engineering plans, legal research and economic analyses by dozens of esteemed professionals showing the benefits of the marina project and how it would have no adverse impact on the lake or its environment. The APA spent years reviewing the project and did its own studies and analyses before approving it in September. It is my understanding that Mr. Jorling filed his lawsuit 108 days after the APA approvals were issued. Normally, a person aggrieved from a determination of the APA must file a challenge within 60 days. This alone should be grounds for dismissal of the lawsuit. It is my hope that the court will defer to the APA and its staff’s expertise, and refuse to vacate the APA’s approval of the LS Marina project.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Schiller

Lake Placid