Summary
Much has occurred since we launched our campaign to limit the environmental impact from the reconstruction of NYS Route 28 in the hamlet of White Lake.
As originally proposed, the project would have resulted in wide clear cutting of numerous trees by National Grid in order to install new larger power poles. The planned road improvements would have resulted in a high-speed highway through the small populated hamlet of White Lake. It would have caused serious impact on the lake environment, as well as altering the quality of life for property owners, beach visitors who cross the highway and tourists. If the original project was approved, it would have also set a negative precedent for future similar projects in other communities in the Adirondack Park.
Fortunately, we submitted enough petitions to the Adirondack Park Authority (APA) to have the original project permit application rejected. A revised permit application was submitted by NYS DOT and National Grid and approved by the APA, but only for a small part of the original project. This proposal involves eight-tenths of a mile of reconstruction to improve a dangerous curve at the southern entrance of the Park. In order to preserve the natural greenery along the road, the APA has imposed stringent restrictions on tree cutting within the project area. The APA has also called for new plantings in some areas and the clear zone for new poles has been considerably reduced.
The remaining 9.5 miles of the project have been suspended for now, pending a redesign and a new permit application to the APA. We expect that the project will not take place for several years and when it does, it will be limited in scope similar to the section of the project that was just approved.
New York State DOT has reached out to various property owner associations on White Lake to discuss concerns as the project moves forward. They are now working to improve the road from a safety standpoint, while also addressing the issues which directly impact local residents.
Regardless of the progress we have made, we need to remain vigilant with respect to the reconstruction of the remaining 9.5 miles. If you have not already signed our petition, please do so now so that your support for our effort to preserve the Adirondack character will be voiced during the next Adirondack Park Agency’s permitting process.
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