Archive: Opinions

Recently, the Town of Lansing learned about NYSDEC's interest in creating a State Forest in Northern Lansing on property known as the Bell Station land, originally purchased by NYSEG for placement of a nuclear power facility. The State Forest would be paid for by NYS funds earmarked for preservation of high priority properties in the State. It would continue to pay School and Town taxes as do other State Forests. Further, creation of a State Forest would support our Comprehensive Plan by preserving open space.

While there are other State Forests in the area, this would be the only one with lakefront access, which would be extremely attractive to both our residents and those visiting from out of town. In addition, a State Forest would provide many quality of life benefits to the Town's citizens... easy walking access to a natural lake shore, a flat walking trail in the woods along the old railroad bed with views of the lake and several streams and waterfalls. Other attractions might include fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, equestrian trails, bird watching, mountain biking trails and a destination for the kayak/surfboard/sailboat users at Myers Park. The farmland portion could continue to be farmed.

A State Forest in Lansing would also complement our current economic development efforts. A 2010 economic study commissioned by the County Tourism Board found that our parks, gorges, waterfalls, forests and natural scenic beauty are primary reasons for leisure travelers to visit the Ithaca region. Some of those visitors would want to stay at our unique local bed and breakfast accommodations, as well as eat and shop in local establishments while on their way to visit the State Forest. Other studies show that unique attractions such as this contribute greatly to a higher quality of life and a greater sense of community which in turn attracts economic investment.

True, the land could be sold to a private developer and if developed with expensive private homes, the Town might receive higher tax revenues at some time in the future. However, it is uncertain whether sale for private homes would produce a net gain in taxes since the town would be required to build, maintain and plow roads in the area as well as provide other services such as fire protection. The cost of the services required to support those homes would fall to town taxpayers. What is a certainty is that an amazing and unique property would be forever lost to the citizens of Lansing.

It is important to note that supporting the proposed State Forest is closely aligned with support for a planned Town Center area and a sewer in Lansing. By concentrating development in central locations we are then able to support growth while preserving open space and farmland in other parts of the Town. In this way, centered growth supports a healthy tax base for the Town while preserving and enhancing our quality of life.

I encourage local citizens to share their thoughts and questions about the proposed forest with me and other members of the Town Board.

Ruth Hopkins, Councilperson
Lansing Town Board

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