Do you think the Adirondack Park Agency is a waste of Tax Payer $? (Maine: 2009, amusement parks)

[hmtklein]

Having grown up in the Adirondack Park I have seen the effects of the APA cracking it's big whip on several occasions. However, I haven't agreed with a thing it has done. There are AMUSEMENT PARKS in the Adirondacks and yet if a property owner wants to fix up their boathouse before it falls in the lake they have 400 hoops to jump through. The NY budget for 2009 has $6,157,000 in it for the APA. Can anyone tell me how the APA is remotely effective? I mean state land is state land it's not like I could erect a big blue waterslide on it?

[Irish4evr]

The APA is a money grubbing farce, dating way back to the 70's. Many states adopted a similar model of "land preservation"...Maine (LURC), Mn.etc. As I am sure you are aware, the APA appears to have had one goal in mind, that being to afford the wealthy city dwellers a place to play. Those residents within the "park" have been forced to live with the "restrictions"....all for thier own good....ya ok ! The secular enforcement is also worth noting. I personally knew a APA employee, who's husband, also an ENCON employee had a side business in the "excavation" business. He did a lot of work on and near "protected bodies of water".....and never had a problem getting whatever he wanted....done ! Tree in the way....no problem...they always had plenty of firewood. The political waters of NYS run deep...and quite frankly there is nothing there worth "playing the game". Within that specific area there are only (2) stable forms of employment...state/government employment,or the school districts. Look at the state "correctional" facilities located within that area. Many good people went broke trying to challenge this dynasty...the cost, IMO does not outweigh the privelege of paying NYS taxes....hope you are not one of them !

[adirondackguy123]

Originally Posted by Irish4evr

The APA is a money grubbing farce, dating way back to the 70's. Many states adopted a similar model of "land preservation"...Maine (LURC), Mn.etc. As I am sure you are aware, the APA appears to have had one goal in mind, that being to afford the wealthy city dwellers a place to play. Those residents within the "park" have been forced to live with the "restrictions"....all for thier own good....ya ok ! The secular enforcement is also worth noting. I personally knew a APA employee, who's husband, also an ENCON employee had a side business in the "excavation" business. He did a lot of work on and near "protected bodies of water".....and never had a problem getting whatever he wanted....done ! Tree in the way....no problem...they always had plenty of firewood. The political waters of NYS run deep...and quite frankly there is nothing there worth "playing the game". Within that specific area there are only (2) stable forms of employment...state/government employment,or the school districts. Look at the state "correctional" facilities located within that area. Many good people went broke trying to challenge this dynasty...the cost, IMO does not outweigh the privelege of paying NYS taxes....hope you are not one of them !

the only thing i want the apa to do is to keep the adirondacks forever wild.

[Irish4evr]

Originally Posted by adirondackguy123

the only thing i want the apa to do is to keep the adirondacks forever wild.

Well, I don't think you have to worry about your wish not coming true. The genuine Adirondack natives are a rather rugged bunch and long before the APA was ever created, the Adirondacks were "wild". I do not feel that those residents need a massive dictator to advise them on how to best protect their home and enviroment. Forever wild....check the economy within that area....between taxes and unemployment I sincerely believe the day of nothing but "wild" will exist. Until recently cell phone towers were not allowed, and once allowed were required to look like a pine tree....pleeeze ! It is a beautiful area,.....but, IMO, not worth the price.

[hmtklein]

I completely agree Irish4evr. I just wish one person could tell something the APA has done that makes them worth their salt... it's mind boggling.

[juppiter]

I think it would be worth it if the Adirondacks were pimped out more as a tourist destination. I know it's a favorite destination for downstaters, but they could be doing a lot more tourism business than they are.

[cheese9988]

As long as they keep the Adirondacks a woodland and keep the hotels/big business away I'm all for it being a tourist destination as well.

[GraniteStater]

I think they need to look into adding a ski area in the Adirondacks, but keep it at a smaller scale. I also think they should emphasize hiking to some of the tallest peaks. I am not familiar with hiking in that particular area, but do adequate trail systems even exist?

[adirondackguy123]

Originally Posted by cheese9988

As long as they keep the Adirondacks a woodland and keep the hotels/big business away I'm all for it being a tourist destination as well.

I'm with you.

[GraniteStater]

A local ski area would boost the economy without adding in all of the larger scale commericalization that comes along with it. Take a look at Cannon Mountain in NH for an example.