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:
- ADD NEW ENFORCEMENT STAFF
- REVISE ENFORCEMENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS
- RESTORE STATE FUNDING FOR LOCAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE
- THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD CREATE AN ADIRONDACK PARK ENFORCEMENT TEAM
- APA COMMISSIONERS NEED TO MAKE ENFORCEMENT A TOP PRIORITY
- 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
The dangers of living in the Adirondacks are hard to appreciate. I can tell you first-hand that the Adirondack Buck is not to be trifled with. My experience came two years ago while traveling about 70mph on the Northway. A scary incident for me, traumatic for the deer. This weekend there was another tragedy. I know, you’re thinking, “whatever, another hunting accident…”.
