Don't Let Lake Placid Turn John Brown's Front Yard into a Parking Lot!

A Missive from Our Friend Naj Wikoff

Yesterday, Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward to the Arts, Parks & Tourism Committee that the Town of North Elba is willing to take over John Brown State Park. They applauded the news until it was pointed out to them that the Town wants to turn part of the farm lands into a parking lot and location for sports facilities. That surprised and confused them.

It is critical that letters be sent immediately to the Committee co-Chairs Assemblyman Englebright and Senator Serrano that the Park must remain in State ownership, must remain intact and must remain open. If the Town is willing to care for the grounds, meaning mowing the lawns and keeping the grounds clean, that would be a good partnership, put that State oversight is vital to protect and properly interpret the collection, gravesite and buildings.

Note Town Supervisor Roby Politi's remarks in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise: "If we ever bid for another Olympic games in the future and had to expand our facilities, we'd be able to extend our facilities onto that property," he said. "We're trying to ensure the sustainability of our venues and our history."

-Naj

Call and/or leave messages for these NY State Officials on their websites [by clicking on their names]. Urge them to keep the John Brown Farm under state control and to find the minimal resources needed to sustain it as a functioning historic site.

Assemblyman Steven Englebright, Chair Assembly Tourism Committee

518-455-4804

Senator Jose Serrano, Jr., Chair Senate Tourism Committee

518-455-2795

Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward [JB Barn is in her district], member of the Assembly Tourism Committee

518-455-5565