Aug 17, 2012 — The Adirondack Park Agency approved a new 1,300 acre subdivision Thursday in an area that borders the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness. The proposed development could eventually mean construction of 27 new homes.

The APA approved the project despite the fact that developers didn't include a plan to protect views and open space on the parcel, which is considered some of the most iconic farmland in the Adirondacks.

But state officials did include a provision that will require more planning before most of the homes were built.  Go to full article

Clayton, NY, Mar 23, 2012 — People in the Thousand Islands village of Clayton are watching several projects that could transform an abandoned waterfront industrial site into a new community hub.

The site used to be home to Frink America, a snowplow manufacturer and a major employer in the small town. Before that, it was the village train station, where Golden Age vacationers would arrive to be ferried to luxury hotels on nearby islands.

The grand plan now in the works includes new docks, a pavilion, and a multi-story hotel. Joanna Richards has more.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Jan 23, 2012 — Watertown has been excited about the possibility of a new future for the city's landmark Woolworth building for several years. The historic downtown building is on the site of the dry goods store where F.W. Woolworth began his retail career.

In 1921, after launching his five-and-dime empire, Woolworth demolished the old store and built his imposing new headquarters. But as the five and dime empire went, so went the building. It's been vacant for years.

A new owner purchased the building several years ago, now city officials worry the redevelopment plans may be in jeopardy. Joanna Richards has the story.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 26, 2011 — Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo handed out nearly $800-million through his newly created regional economic councils. WMHT's Marie Cusick reports for the Innovation Trail about what comes next.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Sep 12, 2011 — The North Country Regional Economic Council will hold the first of three public meetings tonight in Plattsburgh. Next, on Wednesday, it will meet in Tupper Lake, then in Watertown the following Monday.

The council is one of ten that will compete for a piece of the state's $200 million economic
development fund. Four regions will get $40 million--others will get less.

At the meetings, council members will explain how the process works, and open the floor to peoples' suggestions on what the North Country should be doing to grow its economy and create jobs.  Go to full article

Aug 05, 2011 — Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy this morning led the inaugural meeting of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, at SUNY Potsdam. It wasn't open to the public...but Duffy has said future meetings will be.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the North Country Regional Council just last week. It's among ten created around the state.  Go to full article

Tupper Lake, NY, Jun 13, 2011 — In Tupper Lake, the latest round of hearings into the proposed Adirondack Club and Resort has been focusing on economic questions about the project. Developers Michael Foxman and Tom Lawson hope to build hundreds of condos and mansions, along with a new ski area, marina, equestrian center and other amenities. The price tag for the project is roughly $500 million.

Some business leaders in the village say they're satisfied that the company has laid out a realistic plan for building the expansive resort. But some resort experts, state officials, and local government leaders in Tupper Lake say they still have questions about how the project will be financed and how enough buyers will be found for the new homes. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Keene Valley, NY, May 26, 2011 — Scientists say the massive landslide in Keene Valley is now the largest ever seen in New York state.

A half-dozen homes on Little Porter Mountain are still threatened and officials say they're monitoring the mass of earth and rock to determine whether more homes below the slide could be affected. Brian Mann has our update.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Jul 06, 2010 — An effort by North Country lawmakers to limit the enforcement power of the Adirondack Park Agency failed to pass the state Assembly last week. The bill which passed in the Senate would have placed a ten-year statute of limitations on environmental and zoning violations.

As Brian Mann reports, supporters of the change say they'll bring it back next session.  Go to full article

Tupper Lake, NY, Jun 07, 2010 — The Adirondack Nature Conservancy has filed suit in state Supreme Court against the Adirondack Club and Resort developer, Preserve Associates, over access to a logging road the conservancy owns. There's a hearing in Tupper Lake Wednesday. The road goes to the Follensby Pond tract; it also could provide access to a parcel Preserve Associates wants to subdivide for homes.

ARISE, a Tupper Lake-based group, supports the developer. The Nature Conservancy says Preserve Associates has other options. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article