Although the controversial Adirondack Rail-Trail court case in the Tri-Lakes area is still underway, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is looking toward the future with a new Draft Conceptual Plan for the trail. The department recently released the new draft for the rail-trail design, and members of the public will be able to learn more and provide comments over the next few weeks.
The Draft Conceptual Plan
At the moment, the judge in charge of the Adirondack Rail-Trail court case is reviewing additional information provided by both parties involved: the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society and New York State (Adirondack Park Agency, DEC, and the Department of Transportation).
While the court’s decision could have a major impact on the future of the rail-trail, the DEC took a big step forward with the project by releasing their Draft Conceptual Plan for the 34-mile track. The plan details the design and essential features of the rail-trail.
More specifically, the draft plan describes a 10-foot wide stone dust tread for the length of the rail-trail and shoulders that are a minimum of 2.5 feet on each side. This design complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and it would make the rail-trail accessible for use by people of all abilities.
The shared goal of the DEC and the Adirondack Rail-Trail Stakeholder Group is to create an accessible and environmentally-friendly trail that will help boost the region’s economies.
Upcoming Rail-Trail Meetings
To get the public involved in the development of the rail-trail, the DEC has announced six meetings that will take place throughout early May. There will be four informational sessions in the Tri-Lakes area and two DEC public meetings.
- May 1 & 2 – Informational Meeting – 5:30pm-7:30pm in the Cantwell Community Room of the Saranac Lake Free Library at 109 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY.
- May 3 – Informational Meeting – 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Downstairs Community Room of Goff-Nelson Memorial Library at 41 Lake St., Tupper Lake, NY.
- May 4 – Informational Meeting – 6:00pm-8:00pm in the First Floor Meeting Room of the Town Hall at 2693 Main St., Lake Placid, NY.
- May 9 – DEC Meeting – The Availability Session will run from 3:00pm-5:00pm, and the Public Meeting will run from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Location: Community Room of the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building at 31 Santa Clara Ave., Tupper Lake, NY
- May 10 – DEC Meeting – The Availability Session will run from 3:00pm-5:00pm, and the Public Meeting will run from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Location: Main conference room of the DEC Region 5 Headquarters at 1115 State Route 86, Ray Brook, NY.
Public comments on the rail-trail plan will be accepted by the DEC through June 2, 2017.
Did you know the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is on the National & State Registers of Historic Places? Learn more about the Adirondacks at these historic sites and museums >>
