Adirondack Scenic RR to catch a break from NY State ?

[tree68]

samfp1943

Larry: Any guesses as to which way this might go?  The Newswire article seemed to indicate it was about to be a 'new game', and the decision might gain different meanings with the new Commissioner....

At this point, it's really hard to say.  There are a lot of variables in play, but the general impression I get from folks who know a lot more than I do is that things may well be tipping in favor of keeping the tracks.  

What this may do is embolden those who, for a variety of reasons, have withheld support for the rails for fear of retribution to show their support (there is one definite example of this happening).  At least one local government has already changed their stance.

For now, "cautiously optomistic" is probably the best position to take.

 

[samfp1943]

tree68

He doesn't work for the park agency - and all they said was that Option 7 did not conflict with their master plan.  It was simply a formality.

The one vote against was a lawyer who said they were way off base with their decision.

It's long been said that nothing happens in Albany unless the governor says so.  With current events being what they are, the gov may decide to distance himself from the decision so as to hopefully eliminate some potential "conflicts of interest..."

The decision is a joint one, involving DOT and DEC.   Both have to sign off.

 

Larry: Any guesses as to which way this might go?  The Newswire article seemed to indicate it was about to be a 'new game', and the decision might gain different meanings with the new Commissioner....

Hope this was a real consideraton of the previous decision, and not just a ploy to 'fish' for funds in a political time.    

[tree68]

He doesn't work for the park agency - and all they said was that Option 7 did not conflict with their master plan.  It was simply a formality.

The one vote against was a lawyer who said they were way off base with their decision.

It's long been said that nothing happens in Albany unless the governor says so.  With current events being what they are, the gov may decide to distance himself from the decision so as to hopefully eliminate some potential "conflicts of interest..."

The decision is a joint one, involving DOT and DEC.   Both have to sign off.

[wanswheel]

I listened to the NPR broadcast, and the environmental conservation commissioner, and doubt he’ll go against the park agency, who voted 9-1.

http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/31774/20160513/state-officials-rethink-plan-to-tear-up-adirondack-train-track

http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/243.html

 

[samfp1943]

tree68

   One of the main "trail advocates" is also known to have made a number of political contributions, so this may have caused some rethinking in the halls of the capitol. There have been legal questions about the APA's actions as well. The simple fact that the topic has been officially noted to be still up in the air is very significant. Perhaps that small group of people who want everyone out of their woods won't end up being successful in this attempt.

Hopefully, this current process will have a good outcome for ASR...That area needs to be able to show itrself off to a much wider group of people who can enjoy it from the comfort of the ASR. 

     It would be a shame, and an economic loss for the State; limiting area to limit it to a small, cliquish group whose enthusiasm can be short term and fickle.        It is an asset already in place...Enjoy its benefits, and services.  Not to mention access to that area by enhancing its usefulness.  .  

[tree68]

The old DEC commissioner is gone, and the current one hasn't signalled his feelings on the topic.  The APA "approval" wasn't really an approval - only an agreement that "Option 7" was not counter to the Agency's master plan.

The "trail advocates" thought this was a done deal, and are expressing their outrage (huge surprise...).

One of the main "trail advocates" is also known to have made a number of political contributions, so this may have caused some rethinking in the halls of the capitol.

There have been legal questions about the APA's actions as well.

The simple fact that the topic has been officially noted to be still up in the air is very significant.

Perhaps that small group of people who want everyone out of their woods won't end up being successful in this attempt.

[samfp1943]

Item in the TRAINS Newswire of this date:

"New York department to review Adirondack Scenic decision"

May 13, 2016      

FTA:"...   LAKE PLACID. N.Y. — State officials said Friday they are taking a second look at a plan that would have removed the railroad between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake in favor of a multi-use trail, even though the plan has the approval of the Adirondack Park Agency.

Back in February, the park agency board voted 9-1 to remove 34 miles of the railroad so a rail trail could be built. In the fall, the state Department of Environmental Conservation agreed with the park agency that the railroad should go. Now, the new acting chairman of the department says his agency is rethinking its support.

"We're reviewing the entire plan, all the public comments, all the interest in the outside, we're taking it all into account and ultimately determining the best way forward. We'll make a decision on that soon," Brian Seggos told North Country Public Radio..."

Looks like our friends in Upstate New York may" catch that break..."

 

Possibly, a local up there can fill in some of the details.