Open letter to the Town of Forestport Supervisor…

There are many interests at stake surrounding the ongoing controversy over White Lake access and control.

The land owned by the White Lake Shores Association (referred to as Beach A) across from the White Lake Inn has been the subject of litigation and judgments for years.

The New York State Supreme Court decision of February 2014 overturned Judge Clark’s previous decisions, but confused matters further by directing both the Forestport and Woodgate Fire departments to join the suit as plaintiffs.

And so it continues.

Although I am a board member of the White Lake Shores Association, this letter does not pretend to represent the opinions of other board members or officers of WLSA.

Let me be clear, however, and say that I support WLSA’s efforts to represent all those within the 400 acre tract, and to protect and preserve a special resource within our community.

A dozen or so people dedicate time and effort to raise funds, move docks in and out, and clean the three properties that WLSA is caretaker of. Fairly hefty liability insurance has to be kept current, beaches maintained and improved.

It is in support of their best intentions that I have served on the board over the years.  For the past several years WLSA has had to raise money to defend itself in court.  Costs are rising on all sides, as are emotions.

Your interest in the White Lake Community at this critical time is understandable. We are a vital part of Forestport’s overall health.

Property taxes in and around this precious place support schools, roads, bridges, fire protection, and the library system within the Town of Forestport.

Your involvement and leadership is a chance to bring together opposing interests to find common ground, and to bring the litigation process to a suitable end for everyone.

It is not an easy task. People have been wounded by words and deeds. Agreements have been made in words and handshakes, but not in actions.

Opinions are sometimes formed based on incomplete or misguided information. Personal interests and emotions are playing out.

In the short term your contribution can have intrinsic value by providing a macro view, understanding the motivations of everyone involved, and determining future actions that will ultimately benefit the lake community and so the Town as a whole.

In the long run, WLSA has to regain legitimacy within the community. It needs to be supported by increased membership and more volunteers at annual events.

Those who don’t like the way things are being done should step up and be an agent for change. There will be, however, lost weekends and no pay.

Everyone should read and understand WLSA’s Bylaws that outline its responsibilities in protecting the assets that everyone in the 400 acre tract gets to enjoy.

WLSA and the Adirondack White Lake Association (AWLA) should continue to strengthen their obvious common bond. Positive and cooperative relationships with the Volunteer Fire Departments have to be maintained and strengthened.

The White Lake Inn benefits by being on the shores of White Lake, and has to act as a steward for the jewel that sits across the road from its porches. It too has responsibilities.

Gates and docks are the things to be decided on, as are the liability of and property rights of WLSA. Court decisions have to be upheld and put to rest.

I personally welcome your negotiation skills in helping to resolve issues that have long festered.

It’s a tall order to quell emotions and do the right things for the community and the lake, but they need to be agreed on sooner rather than later.

Jon G. Kirschner