Adirondack Construction Controversy

          The progression of three hotel projects in the Adirondacks has raised controversy over the impacts their development they might have on the local communities. These projects include a top-to-bottom renovation and restoration of Hotel Saranac, a new Marriot Hotel in Lake George, and a new Lake Flower Inn on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. Each project differs in the impacts they could have on natural resources and the character of the communities.

            The Hotel Saranac is a project mostly for the renovation and restoration of an already existing historic building landmark. The Hotel Saranac “is the icon of Saranac Lake. And…it was a benefactor to every downtown business in the region…it was a place of gathering” (Mann). Seven years ago when Paul Smiths College decided to stop using the hotel as a training site for students and sold it, the hotel slowly fell into decline. However, a few years ago, Roedel Companies purchased the property and have since been given a $5 million grant from the state for the renovations and restoration. Many have a positive outlook on this project, hoping that the restoration will return it to its former glory and attract business to the area. Unlike the positivity toward the Hotel Saranac, the Lake George Marriott project faces some controversy from locals. A local developer received approval to build a six-story, 120-room Marriott Hotel. The street the hotel will be located on is largely dominated by a string of one and two-story buildings. Thus, many fear that the hotel being almost three times as tall as most of the building will disrupt the character of the community. Locals complain that it would simply be too large and would not fit in with the rest of the village. Additionally, the construction of the hotel could have some impacts on the quality of the water that it would be constructed near. Like the Lake George Marriott, the Lake Flower Inn project has also raised local concerns about its changes to community character. The proposed Lake Flower Inn was granted $2 million for the construction of a luxury hotel that would replace three motels that are squeezed together on the shores of Lake Flower. Some argue that a four-story building that would be over 250 feet in length is out of scale with the area and would look out of place. Additionally, many complain that the size of it would wall off the lake and cause pedestrian and traffic issues.

            All of these projects raise interesting questions about the preservation and development of historical areas. I think any construction or restoration should keep to the character of the area so as to preserve it. I found it interesting that the APA actually gave permits for the construction of the Marriot and the Lake Flower Inn, even with all the controversy over the disruption of character of the community. The idea that the APA was and is not a complete success in preserving the Adirondacks is definitely present in this issue.  

Sources:

http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/22489/20130806/investor-plans-to-revive-historic-hotel-saranac

http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2014/03/considering-three-hotel-projects-adirondacks.html