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From the April 2008 issue
Governor Paterson Announces Smart Growth Grants for Adirondack Park Communities
Governor David A. Paterson and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced "smart growth" grants for Adirondack Park communities to help counties, towns, villages and their partner organizations develop plans that link together the concepts of sustainable development, environmental protection and community livability. A total of $1 million will be awarded to 18 projects-ranging from one proposing a new life for the Indian Lake Theater to another designing a better wireless communication network across the Adirondack Park. The initiative, announced last July, proved so popular that the DEC received more than $3 million worth of proposals for a mix of local, regional and park-wide projects.
Developing Sustainable Communities
Smart Growth projects protect and enhance park resources while allowing growth and development
"The Adirondack Park is a unique American treasure and a special place for residents and the millions who visit each year," said Governor David A. Paterson. "It serves as a model for how to merge environmental sensitivity with the pressing needs of development and expansion. By providing local planning assistance, we hope to meet the challenge of developing sustainable communities while protecting natural resources."
"This program is dedicated to the belief that sustainable development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand," said Commissioner Grannis. "Safeguarding the assets of the forest preserve and fostering sustainable development and a good quality of life for residents throughout the park is in everyone's best interest. This initiative provides the local planning assistance needed to accomplish both. The overwhelming response demonstrates how the program struck a chord with Adirondack Park communities."
About Smart Growth
Smart growth is sensible, planned growth that balances the need for economic development with concerns about quality of life, such as preserving the natural and built environments. Smart growth is also becoming a useful tool to attract businesses that value community quality of life.
The 2007-08 Environmental Protection Fund included $2 million in grants to promote smart growth initiatives; $1 million was earmarked for the Adirondacks. Smart growth can be useful in addressing land-use issues facing rural communities-workforce housing, aging infrastructure, water quality, economic development, open space protection and village/hamlet revitalization.
Grant Highlights
DEC Commissioner Grannis with recipients of this year's Smart Growth grant awards
Grant winners include 12 projects that address local issues, four that are regional in nature, and two that are park-wide in impact. Highlights include:
- $106,971 to the Town of Saranac to develop the "Wireless Clearinghouse" project, which will create a comprehensive plan for identifying potential telecommunications structures, bolstering wireless networks in the park. The State University of New York at Plattsburgh and the Adirondack North Country Association will assist the town;
- $100,000 to the Town of Tupper Lake to produce a "Community Development Priorities" plan. Part of the plan includes developing a "visual identity" for the Town and Village of Tupper Lake, and concept designs for streetscape and waterfront projects;
- $42,600 to the Town of Indian Lake to plan the reopening of the Indian Lake Theater. The 250-seat, Main Street venue has been closed for more than a year. Local officials want to explore reopening the facility as a year-round community stage and screen, offering films and musical and theatrical performances, and a public space for schools, libraries and other organizations for meetings, lectures and seminars;
- $100,000 to Essex County to create an "Essex County Destination Master Plan" that will focus on communities beyond Lake Placid. It will explore opportunities to take advantage of recreational and natural resources in an economically sustainable way in locales such as Moriah, North Elba, Schroon Lake, Ticonderoga and Wilmington;
- $50,000 to the Town of Wilmington to conduct feasibility studies for a community center, municipal offices, historical society building, and a fly fishing museum, and
- $35,000 to the Town of Chester to make plans for retaining existing affordable housing and establishing new affordable housing opportunities for working families.
In contrast to America's national parks in which no one resides, the Adirondack Park is home to 130,000 full-time residents and hundreds of businesses whose future depends on continued protection of the park's natural resources and fostering a sustainable economy. However, many Adirondack communities lack the resources to comprehensively address land-use challenges. The Smart Growth Grants Program will provide communities with technical capabilities necessary to plan for the future.
More Information
The comments of several other officials on the grant announcement can be found in the full governor's press release (see "Related Links" below), which also contains a link to the full list of grant recipients.
Related Links:
Full Governor's Press Release and Grant Recipients List (leaving DEC's site)
Adirondack North Country Association (leaving DEC's site)
