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TOURISM sustains our economy
06/30/2008
Gail Lennstrom
I am a resident of Margaretville and also own a property that I rent
out to skiers and year round as a Retreat/Conference center in Big
Indian NY. I also am a member of The Belleayre Region Lodging
Association.
This entire region of Eastern Delaware and Western Ulster Countries is
EXTREMELY dependent on Belleayre Mountain not only for jobs (year round
and especially in winter when many otherwise carpenters and ground
maintenance people cannot work) but also for TOURISM.....
which is about the only business our area can sustain with the DEP and NYC
Watershed restrictions on other commerce.
My DEEP CONCERN is that if Belleayre Mountain does not continue to receive
state funding, the people who had jobs that provided recreation and
enjoyment to state citizens will have to go on Welfare!
In addition, Tourism is one of the MAJOR money makers in this area -
lodging; restaurants; and other support services. The mountain is also
the REASON that many second home owners BUY in this area. We do NOT
need or want to lose that market.
I am writing to STRONLY REQUEST THAT YOU VETO the Senate Bill 6835b
establishing a state commission to examine unfair competition in the
outdoor recreation industry.
(Below is copied from your letter)
This bill is targeted at Belleayre Mt. Ski Center, a state facility
mandated by the New York State Constitution and re-affirmed in an
amendment calling for Belleayre's
expansion that was passed by the voters of the state in 1987.
If this legislation becomes law, it calls into question the state's right
to provide low cost recreation for its citizens. In these challenging
economic times, it seems more critical than ever that the State subsidize
and support businesses that provide less expensive recreation within an
easy drive of NYC and the Metropolitan area.
Are you going to study the impact of Jones
Beach? Bethpage Golf Course? State Campgrounds?
When you finish studying the impact of state recreation on private
facilities, will you then study the impact of the State University system
on private colleges?
The state has a legitimate interest in operating recreation
facilities, and does so well and in line with its mandates. To even
question this is a total waste of time
and money.
PLEASE VETO THIS LEGISLATION.
Thank you!
Gail Lennstrom
Margaretville NY
crystalg@catskill.net Return to Letters Page
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