From Times Union Opinion Page
By: Brian Wells, July 31, 2021
https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Adirondack-towns-get-frozen-out-16353507.php
The Five Towns Coalition
The Towns of Indian Lake, Long Lake Newcomb, North Hudson and Minerva have formed a coalition to develop and promote transformational regional projects to further benefit economic growth and sustainability in each of our Towns.
One such project is to develop the former Finch lands located in each of the five towns into a recreational hub. Although each town has its own individual characteristics this project promotes a recreation strategy that ties each town to one another with a single idea. A multi-use staging area located in each town. These staging areas are to be designed for Equestrian camping, snowmobile parking, and off-road biking. These staging sites should be designed to accommodate these usages with all of the amenities that each activity needs, and also the design needs to encourage these activities and insure that each of these user groups will return. The proximity of the 5 towns to one another through this property lends itself to a unique and marketable opportunity. The St Regis Canoe Area is basically a single purpose recreation area. This plan promotes a year-round recreation area that will help build our economies.
Those seeking the quintessential Adirondack community - a place to visit, a place to live, or a place to open a business - will love the Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake and Sabael. Surrounded by numerous lakes, ponds, streams, and mountains our community takes pride in its heritage and traditions. You can see the spirit reflected in volunteerism, commitment to education, and an array of community services, facilities, and activities.
The Town of Indian Lake was established in 1858. The town, located in Hamilton County with a population of approximately 1,400, lies within the six-million acre Adirondack Park. Essex and Warren County border its east. In the village center, the east-west State Highway 28 meets the north-south Highway 30. The Hudson River forms part of the eastern town line. And, believe it or not, there are no traffic lights in town!
The Indian Lake Museum in the hamlet of Indian Lake contains displays and artifacts relating to the historic Indian population.
The Indian Lake Theater Community Stage & Screen, its original 1938 theater reopened in 2008, provides entertaining movies, opera, live performances, and more for year round residents and visitors.
The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake tells the story of the people who lived, worked and played in the region.
The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (The Arts Center) at Blue Mountain Lake provides cultural events, workshops, and plays seasonally.
The Indian Lake Library provides books, DVDs, audios, and access to the Internet.
Cool Fact: The Lake itself was the inspiration for the 1960s hit single INDIAN LAKE by The Cowsills. (The writer spent vacation time at what used to be Beeches Cottages on Indian Lake.)
Discover Long Lake, New York, the unspoiled playground of the north, boasting friendly folks, affordable accommodations, family activities, and unsurpassed Adirondack beauty.
Centrally located in the Adirondacks, Long Lake is a four season destination, an easy two hour drive north of Albany (exit 23 off 87 Northway) and Utica, two hours south of Montreal, and thirty minutes from anywhere else. Long Lake, a widening in 140 mile long Raquette River, flows north for fourteen miles. W.H.H. Murray, a frequent visitor in the late 1800s once said, “If you desire to see some of the finest scenery imagine, pass up the the Raquette to Long Lake and when, some two miles up the lake, turn your face toward the north, and you will behold what is worth the entire journey to see.”
The Town of North Hudson is carved out of rugged Adirondack forest. Its mountainous, unspoiled terrain is home to cold sparkling streams and crystal-clear freshwater ponds and lakes. The former theme park, Frontier Town, located in North Hudson has undergone a transformation and has become the new “Gateway to the Adirondacks.”
This remote region supports everything an outdoor enthusiast could ask for, including abundant opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking, cross country skiing and horseback riding. An established network of groomed snowmobile trails offers a unique chance to experience the beauty of the winter in the backwoods.
Tour a historic Great Camp dating from the 1880’s, drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Road and/or take in the unspoiled beauty of monumental natural vistas. North Hudson is a treasure trove of secluded natural resources and tranquility.
Newcomb is a small, historic town with wide open wilderness spaces and experiences waiting to happen. It is a great place to live and play in the brisk clean air in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park. The area has a rich history of miners, loggers, frontiersmen, and famous guides. Many families have remained and built livelihoods here for almost two centuries.
Amenities include superb clean air, incredible views, and plethora of outdoor activities for each season offering various levels of adventure. Noise free, pollution free, minimal traffic, lots of wilderness trails, lakes, rivers, abundant wildlife, and even the High Peaks Golf Course in the midst of it all. The Great Camp Santanoni was home to the wealthy Pruyn Family of Albany who travelled north to relax and show their friends how to enjoy the Adirondacks in the early 1900s. Newcomb’s Historical Museum showcases everything regarding Newcomb’s rich history.
Newcomb’s school attracts international students. The school’s corridor boasts its diversity with the flags and names of students who have attended and remained forever friends. In addition, Newcomb Central School offers a great program for advancing students to graduate High School with a two year jump on their college education.
Minerva is primarily mountains and almost entirely forested. The Hudson River forms the southern boundary of the Town, with 15 miles of its course being Minerva or forming its boundary. About 15 miles of the Boreas River, the entire lower half, is within the town. These 30 miles of river are essentially wild and unsettled being surrounded by State Land, which makes up 64.5% of all the land in town.
Almost all of the settled portion of the Town is in the southeasterly corner. This settled area represents approximately 10% of the Town and was at one time entirely cleared. It has now mostly grown back to forest, filling in any old cellar holes and abandoned roads. The cleared portion was once about 10,000 acres. Less than 1,000 acres are now occupied or cleared.
Together, the 5 Towns pledge to help each Town grow with one another’s support.
Stephanie DeZalia—Supervisor, Town of North Hudson
Steve McNally—Supervisor, Town of Minerva
Robin DeLoria—Supervisor, Town of Newcomb
Clay Arsenault—Supervisor, Town of Long Lake
Brian E. Wells—Supervisor, Town of Indian Lake
