Before wrapping up its business for the session, the New York state Legislature has acted upon a number of agency nominations. On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed two new Adirondack Park Agency board members and renewed the terms of others.
The Adirondack Park Agency’s Chairwoman was approved by the state Senate for a second term on Wednesday afternoon. Lani Ulrich was first appointed to the APA Board in 2004, and in 2011 became the first woman to lead the agency.
The Senate also acted on nominations for new and returning members of the Adirondack land-use regulatory agency. It approved the reappointments of Arthur Lussi of Lake Placid and William Thomas of Johnsburg. Two new individuals nominated by Governor Andrew Cuomo were approved to replace outgoing board members. Karen Feldman of Hudson will fill an out-of-park seat, replacing Cecil Wray. She is an attorney with ties to the Adirondacks. Her partner is President of the Adirondack Landowners Association and they own land in Schroon Lake.
Dan Wilt fills the in-park seat being vacated by Frank Mezzano. A member of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council and owner of a scientific glass blowing company in Lake Pleasant, Wilt says he sought the position on the board.
The Adirondack Council is welcoming the approval of the APA commissioners, according to spokesman John Sheehan.
Protect the Adirondacks Executive Director Peter Bauer is critical of the newly approved Park Agency board and its priorities.
Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board Executive Director Fred Monroe.
New APA commissioner Dan Wilt is “100 percent confident” that consideration of the park’s economy and environment will be balanced.
The APA Board includes five in-park and three out-of-park seats chosen by the governor and a designee from the Secretary of State, Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, and Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development. Terms are generally four years. The next meeting is in August.
