The advent of citizen journalism and social media has changed the landscape for many organizations and businesses. The blogosphere is watching. The Adirondack Council just released a report critical of the Adirondack Park Agency’s enforcement policies. Anyone living in or near the “Blue Line” can tell you horror stories involving inconsistent application of “rules”.

Here are their 6 recommendations:

1. ADD NEW ENFORCEMENT STAFF
2. REVISE ENFORCEMENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS
3. RESTORE STATE FUNDING FOR LOCAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE
4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD CREATE AN ADIRONDACK PARK ENFORCEMENT TEAM
5. APA COMMISSIONERS NEED TO MAKE ENFORCEMENT A TOP PRIORITY
6. GIVE THE APA THE AUTHORITY TO COLLECT FEES AND FINES

Sounds reasonable, but I fear more taxes to support this and even more bloated New York State bureaucracy.

(via Jamestown Lawyer)

Update:

The Albany Times-Union weighs in with this editorial also calling for more “more manpower and other resources”. Although I agree that enforcement of rules should be timely, transparent, consistent, and reasonable, it should also be done by a credible agency. The APA is no longer that.

More Info:

Resort community rubber stamped by APA

The Adirondack Forest Preserve

Adirondack Council says APA enforcement needs more funding, staff

Spitzer Must Deal With Park Agency