The Adirondack Park was established in 1892 with the 1938 constitutional convention providing for the current language in the New York State Constitution, Article XIV.
The Adirondack Park covers approximately 6.1 million acres, greater in size than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier and Great Smokey Mountains National Parks combined. According to the 2009 Adirondack Park Regional Assessment Report (APRAP), the Adirondack Park is home to 12 counties, 103 municipalities and approximately 132,000 residents.
As seems to be the case more often than not, the Adirondack Park is again under pressure for economic development. In one direction, criticisms are made against those who are trying to protect the park from inappropriate use while, in the other direction, criticisms are made against those who want development.
I am one who wants the Adirondack Park protected, but I am not necessarily opposed to economic development within the "Blue Line". Recently, in correspondence on a different topic, one of our elected officials used the words "reasonable" and "responsible" in response to my objections. I believe those words apply to all development, along with "accountable".
Through all of the discussions, I have yet to see any studies or suggestions as to what types of real, sustained economic development is wanted. We surely can't think that bringing in timber or mining industries will prevent young families from a mass exodus from the area?
Obviously the solution is not simple, but we need to protect our environment while we promote economic growth. To destroy the environment through economic development would destroy the very reason we think this is a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Just saying....
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