To the editor:

Two separate, but notable things happened at the regular meeting of the Saranac Lake Village Board of Trustees on Monday, Jan. 27.

First, representatives from Friends of Mount Pisgah were welcomed to speak liberally outside of the public comment period regarding a FOMP proposal under board review that is designed to increase skiing activity at the facility through ski races, specifically welcoming younger children.

The board and village manager asked questions of FOMP, engaged in cordial open discussion with FOMP and amongst each other and ultimately passed a resolution assisting FOMP with its goals. Smiles were exchanged, FOMP thanked the board and a sense of community progress was shared.

A similar situation happened later during board discussion of “New Business.” The working item was proposed changes to local Short Term Rental (STR) laws designed to increase available housing for year-round residents of the community. Again, the board collaborated, engaged in meaningful and respectful discussion and involved a longstanding member of the community who had attended to share personal feelings about the law during an earlier public comment session.

What’s notable about each is the cooperation. Both between community representatives seeking assistance and between members of the board working together to provide it. Monday’s collegiality and public inclusion stands in stark contrast with how the board has dealt with the emergency services complex proposed for 33 Petrova Ave, estimated two years ago to cost $27.5 million.

Despite promises from the current board of trustees and the previous, there has been no discussion of alternatives, either for improved emergency services or for the 15-acre parcel, for example construction of new housing for year-round community residents.

To date, the general public has been excluded from the process. Members of the board itself are not engaged and often learn about resolutions regarding the project when they receive the board agenda the Friday before a Monday meeting.

It is the opposite of the cooperation on display earlier and yet, the topic is one of — if not the — largest municipal construction project in Village of Saranac Lake history.

My fear is that if the project process continues down the current narrow lane, the community may lose financially, in missed opportunity and in collaborative spirit.

Doug Haney

Village of Saranac Lake Resident