TLBG to host community discussions on new recreation plan

by Dan McClelland

The Tupper Lake Business Group leaders have invited the community to attend one or more of four community forum planned for this month.

These events are intended to brief the community on recent revisions to the bold recreational plan advanced by the group last year, based on the work of five sub-committees that have begun studying the five elements of the first phase of the plan: the re-acquisition of the Big Tupper lands from the county if it is put up for sale for back taxes owed, snowmobile improvements planned here, the mountain bike facility eyed for the shores of Tupper Lake south of here, the improvement and expansion of the James C. Frenette Trail System at the golf course and the watering of the lower nine at the golf course.

There will be good news to share with the local public at each forum.

The community in general is encouraged to attend the first two meetings: Tuesday and Thursday, May 11 and 13.

Each of the four sessions will begin at 7p.m. at the Knights of Columbus home on High Street.

The second two sessions are geared, in particular, to Tupper Lake’s younger generations- those currently between 18 years of age and 40, who have the most to gain as more recreational opportunities are created here.

These local residents in their twenties and thirties are encouraged to attend one of two meetings set for the next week: Tuesday, May 18 and Thursday May 20.

The intent of the public meetings is to inform, educate and solicit help from more local residents- and particularly younger people- to build a more sustainable and enjoyable environment here through recreational improvements.

“We want people here to better understand our recreational objectives and goals,” noted Mark Moeller, a member of the TLBG’s steering committee who will be the master of ceremonies at the four meetings.

The TLBG has created a new vision for the community in a multi-stage process, that comes at an important time when the new pedestrian and bike trail is due to open soon on the 30-mile stretch of the Adirondack Railroad corridor between here and Lake Placid. An ambitious rail removal project has been underway there since last fall.

Also on the community’s upcoming horizon is the arrival of train excursions and special train events, via the expansion to the north from Big Moose of the Adirondack Railroad. Train traffic is expected to begin in the spring of 2022.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Tupper Lake,” stated Rick Dattola, who created the group a year ago this past March.

For more information about these coming events contact either Mr. Dattola or Mr. Moeller or any other member of the business group.