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ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS/ NEW MARKET PRESS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron

Saturday,ÊJ anuaryÊ7,Ê2017

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www.SunCommunityNews.com

In SPORTS | pg. 12

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Burgher’s hoops making strides

In opinion | pg. 4

Cuomo veto disappointing

Boy’s team scores win over King’s

Rejects indigent defense bill

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In LAKE GEorGE | pg. 9

Polar Plungers brave the lake Annual event held

REDC endorses plan for maximum Boreas access Alternative 1 will act as a much-needed gateway for four-season economy By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

PLATTSBURGH — The North Country Regional Economic Development Council has endorsed the proposed plan for Boreas Ponds that would allow for the maximum amount of recreation on the newly acquired parcel. The collection of business leaders, academics and nonprofits rolled out the endorsement on Dec. 28, two days before the state’s public

comment deadline. The NCREDC cited the importance of tourism to the local economy as a leading reason to support the Adirondack Park Agency’s Alternative 1, and said the parcel played a critical plank in their agenda for tourism growth in the 11-county region. “For long-term stewardship of our unique landscape that blends caring for the environment and commerce for our communities, we need to attract both recreation and wildlife enthusiasts alike,” wrote NCREDC CoChairs Tony Collins and Garry Douglas in a letter to the agency. The group said the mix of Wilderness and Wild Forest will allow for the creation of a four-season economy, and cited the opportunity for snowmobiling and cycling oppor-

tunities. Collins, who serves as president of Clarkson University, also took a shot at a study released by a professor last year at his institution that determined property values increase in proximity to Wilderness. “It is widely understood in the economic development industry that average home values — particularly when values are disproportionately influenced by the sale of seasonal vacation homes — have limited influence in demonstrating a community’s overall economic health and its potential for growth,” said Collins, who also serves as Clarkson’s president, in the joint letter. True drivers of the economy will rather be revenues generated by sales and occupancy tax growth alongside year-round employ-

ment opportunities, he said. BeWildNY, a coalition of environmental groups which has endorsed the study, has used the survey as a chief plank in their economic argument for the area surrounding the tract, arguing under their proposal, the region will flourish into a thriving economic zone similar to Keene. Formed in 2011, the state’s regional economic development council program is designed to give the state’s 10 regions a localized approach to shape economic policy by singling out development projects and targeting areas for growth through long-term strategic planning. The state purchased the 20,758-acre Boreas >> BOREAS | pg. 14

VolunteersÊ hailedÊ asÊ DynamiteÊ HillÊ upgradesÊ celebrated By Thom Randall

thom@suncommunitynews.com

CHESTERTOWN — Town of Chester citizens who helped upgrade the popular local ski venue known as Dynamite Hill Recreation area were commended Dec. 31 as a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the improvements. The upgrades include a new ski tow with handles, LED lighting fixtures to enhance night skiing, higher-capacity electrical service to boost snowmaking capabilities, and a new ski-lift base station. Several dozen area citizens turned out for the ceremony >> See DYNAMITE | pg. 3

Nationally ranked skier Abe Studler of Brant Lake (center) and Chester Supervisor Craig Leggett (center right) plus Brant Lake supervisor Matt Simpson and local residents John Nick and George Stannard (at left) participate in a ribbon cutting Dec. 31 to celebrate the public debut of various upgrades at the town of Chester’s Dynamite Hill Recreation Area. Photo by Brandon Himoff


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