To the editor:

I attended the Saranac Lake village board meeting on May 12 and was impressed on all fronts.

First, it was a full house. Familiar faces and newcomers. Second, a lot of people spoke during the public comment period. Again, some regulars but many new voices. Aaron was there of course, ADE reporter extraordinaire. There was an update by the Office of Community Development. Lots of wonderful new things happening in town yet the struggle to fill vacant store fronts downtown persists. And 33 Petrova continues to generate questions and concerns.

I was moved by the support for our volunteer fire department and reminded of the challenging conditions they contend with at their Broadway location. Geographic constraints limit options for a new station. The Petrova location has ample space and is now owned by the village; however, alternate uses for that property such as residential housing and/or business (job) development have merit and would put the property on village tax rolls.

Siting challenges and need aside, the bottom line is we can’t afford the complex that has been proposed. The cost will crush the village. Raising taxes by hundreds of dollars every year for 20-plus years seems like a death sentence. I love this village and the people who live here. I believe our public officials are working hard on our behalf. We don’t all agree but we show up, we speak up, and as long as we keep the conversation going there’s an opportunity to identify a viable solution to this challenge.

If, as a community, we keep at it, I know we can come up with the best course of action.

Deb Story

Saranac Lake