To the editor:

I am writing in response to your published article from April 13 (“Developer resubmits Jay resort application for fourth time”), which described Miami based developer Eric Stackman’s resort style development proposal and his movement through the APA review process.

I strongly oppose the construction of this commercialized project, and want to argue that if Mr. Stackman wishes to contribute to the community, he and the APA should prioritize development of affordable housing and the preservation of native ecosystems rather than building second homes for tourists.

The North Country is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, and employees for the various seasonal attractions in the High Peaks Region already struggle to find any housing in the area, much less affordable housing. While Mr. Stackman’s proposal holds the promise of bringing second home owners and increased tourism to Jay and the surrounding area, the reality is that increased property taxes and demand on a local economy which is already at its breaking point is not what local residents want or need.

In the Adirondacks, land is zoned differently in comparison to most of the United States. Because the Adirondack Park is protected by the New York state Constitution (in law), about half of the land is owned by the state, with the other half being privately owned. Most of the land that can be developed (such as Mr. Stackman’s parcel of low intensity designated land), already has been developed, making the remaining land available for development that much more valuable. In September 2022, the Northern Adirondack Board of Realtors stated that housing affordability had reached a 33 year low. Listed home prices are also increasing: Prior to 2020, the median cost of homes being sold in the North Country had never surpassed $300,000. Now, the average house is selling for $305,409 as of August 2022.

My classmate Kate and I are currently doing a research project for our U.S. Public Lands and Oceans class at Skidmore College. From February to April of 2023, we sent a survey to about 100 respondents to the original APA public comments form that was released in 2021, when Mr. Stackman’s development was first proposed to the public. Our survey yielded a 20% response rate, and of those responses, 84% of people were opposed to the development. When prompted with the question — “How do you think this project will affect local communities and/or other residents of the Adirondack Park?” — one respondent replied, “[Stackman’s development] will further commercialize the park and contribute to overdevelopment of wild spaces. This resort caters to wealthy out-of-towners, and will only exacerbate the overcrowding issues we’re seeing throughout. This project, like most new developments in the park, does not seek to support full-time local residents, but rather push them out.” Many respondents were concerned that a large-scale lake-side commercial development would disrupt the culture, serenity and affordability of life in the Adirondack Park. Please consider the long term implications of this development and how it will further charge the character of the Adirondack Park that we know and love.

Wholeheartedly,

Grace Geurin

Saratoga Springs