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1987-03-17 SP QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 17, 1987 Minutes of the special meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, March 17, 1987, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Acting Chairman Granger called the meeting to order at 5:01 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioners Granger, Martin, Lemery, Lettus, Teti, Councilwoman Monahan, Director Hansen, and Elaine Wilson ABSENT: Commissioners Bly and LaBombard (Ex.) VISITORS: Greg Moran (Post-Star) Commissioner Lemery moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 5:03 P.M. to discuss possible land acquisition. Commissioner Teti seconded the motion and after individually polling all Commission members, the motion was unanimously approved. Returning to open session at 5:10 P.M., the Commission began the discussion of the Hiland Park project. Commissioner Teti expressed concern regarding the Queensbury Association and what influence, if any, this group might have with Mr. Bowen. Acting Chairman Granger responded that, obviously, the Hiland Park Corporation was attempting to inform and appease all groups concerned. : Acting Chairman Granger reiterated the specifics of the Hiland Park proposal, in that the Corporation would donate approximately 70+ acres of land for the purpose of recreational use. The details of the Hiland Park proposal were reviewed and it was pointed out that some of the items previously mentioned were no longer an option. In essence, the Hiland Park Corporation hopes to gift the Town the 70+ acre parcel including that portion of Halfway Brook that bisects the southeastern corner of the property. In exchange for this gift, the Hiland Park Corporation anticipates that the Town will not levy the $250. per unit recreation fee as per Local Law #6. Mr. Bowen has explained that he would also provide a parking area and access to the stream via Haviland Road. It was also explained that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Trout Unlimited Organization were receptive to the idea of the Town becoming stewards of this property. -2- Acting Chairman Granger pointed out that according to Local Law #6, the Hiland Park Corporation was, based on the size of the project, only obligated to offer approximately 27 acres of land to the Town. In actuality, Mr. Bowen was prepared to gift the Town almost 3 times the land necessary. Councilwoman Monahan pointed out that some of the property offered by Mr. Bowen was environmentally sensitive wetland and therefore, development was not possible. Commissioner Teti requested information on the numerous recreational facilities which the Hiland Park Corporation plans to develop and how these facilities might benefit the Recreation Department. It was pointed out that the Department could probably expect to use, on a fee basis, many of the proposed indoor and outdoor facilities. Acting Chairman Granger reminded the Commissioners that Mr. Bowen had offered to cooperate and negotiate on an annual basis if necessary, with regard to facility usage. Regarding the question of the deed to the property being held in escrow, Acting Chairman Granger assured the Commission that title to the property would be transferred when the agree- ment was finalized. After further discussion, Commissioner Lemery made a motion that the Recreation Commission recommend to the Town Board that they accept the 70+ acre portion of the Hiland Park project in lieu of the payment of a per unit fee for recreational use. Commissioner Teti seconded the motion and after individually polling Commission members, the motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Martin relayed that Commissioner LaBombard, who was not in attendance, was also in favor of this decision. Acting Chairman Granger requested that the Director draft the recommendation and distribute it to Town Board members as soon as possible. Commissioner Lemery requested an update on the status of the Hovey Pond project. His reason for this inquiry was due in part because of a need for additional space by the Queensbury Central Fire Company. The Foster Avenue Fire Station is located in close proximity to Hovey Pond and considering their need for expansion, Commissioner Lemery wondered if the two building lots might not suffice as a new fire station site. He asked that the Commission consider this possibility and that it be discussed at the next meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:32 P.M.