 The Land Exchange:
Two separately-elected legislatures have approved of a land
exchange in Raquette Lake, Hamilton County, that would ensure that residents of the
village of Raquette Lake have access to safe drinking water, while protecting the integrity
of Article XIV of the New York State Constitution. Now, the matter comes to the voters
on November 6 in the form of a constitutional amendment of Article XIV. AFPA
believes the land exchange in Raquette Lake results in net benefit to the Forest Preserve,
furthers our mission and the public’s health and is in the public interest. Therefore, when
asked on this fall’s ballot whether this land exchange should go forward, AFPA
encourages New York voters to vote yes.
Background: Raquette Lake’s reservoir, which was constructed using Forest Preserve
land under a previous 1913 Constitutional amendment, can no longer comply with federal
health regulations and the hamlet has no municipal or private land where drinking water
wells can be placed. Due to geography and geology, the adjacent state-owned Forest
Preserve, where the reservoir is currently located, is the only viable location for new
drinking water wells. Drinking water wells on the Forest Preserve are not broadly
authorized by the Constitution and can only be constructed through site-specific
constitutional amendments such as this one.
About the land exchange: This amendment to Article XIV, Section 1 of the NYS
Constitution authorizes a “land swap” between the State and the Town of Long Lake, in
which the hamlet of Raquette Lake is located. In exchange for one acre of Forest
Preserve land to be used for the drinking water wells and related infrastructure, the town
will convey to the state land of at least twelve acres to be incorporated back into the
“forever wild” Forest Preserve.
What is in Article XIV? Please see attached language of Article XIV.
Prior Constitutional Amendments: Nearly 200 amendments to Article XIV, Section 1
of the NYS Constitution (the “forever wild” clause) have been introduced in the
legislature since 1894, and three constitutional conventions have considered changes to
the article. 26 such amendments and the results of the three conventions have reached the
voters for a decision. 20 amendments have been approved and 9 have been defeated.
AFPA policy statement on Article XIV of the NYS Constitution:
The Forest Preserve should continue to be protected and administered in conformance
with the provisions of Section I of Article XIV of the New York State Constitution, and
the Association shall continue its long time support of constitutional protections and
safeguards for the Preserve.
Any proposed amendment of the State Constitution to permit use of or withdrawal from
the Forest Preserve for any incompatible or non-conforming use or purpose should be
specific, narrow in scope, and accurately and intelligibly describe the land to be taken. A
statement which describes the impact of the proposed use on adjacent State or private
land, why it is necessary and desirable, and various alternatives, should be provided by
the sponsors to the Legislature and to the public. The Association will not support any
amendment unless it is shown to be clearly beneficial to the people of the State.
AFPA believes the land exchange in Raquette Lake results in net benefit to the Forest
Preserve, furthers our mission and the public’s health and is in the public interest.
Therefore, when asked whether this land exchange should go forward, AFPA urges New
York voters to vote yes.
Read about the proposal and our position
Read Article XIV of the NYS Constitution |
