LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) will hold a public hearing, Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m., in the Lake Placid Conference Center, to receive public comment on the 2018 Amendment to the 1986 Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg Unit Management Plan (UMP).

ORDA president/CEO Mike Pratt will present to the public the Authority’s evolving plans at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. The purpose and need for the UMP Amendment is the on-going improvement and modernization of facilities that will add to the public accessibility, increase user safety and enhance recreational pursuits while simultaneously complying with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and Article XIV of the New York State Constitution.

Upgrades to these facilities are aimed at increasing visitors’ positive experiences at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, while at the same time maintain its continued commitment to the preservation of the unique and natural setting of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.  New Nordic ski trails, snowmaking system enhancements, upgrades to the parking lots and various other improvements are under consideration.

ORDA is the Lead Agency for the Mt. Van Hoevenberg project under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).  ORDA has prepared and accepted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that accompanies the UMP.   Public comments that are received on the UMP and DEIS will be addressed when ORDA prepares the Final Environmental Impact statement for the Mt. Van Hoevenberg project.

Oral and written public comments will be accepted at the May 24 public hearing.  Written public comments may also be submitted before or after the public hearing until the public comment period closes on June 9, 2018. 

In the future, additional formal plans for ORDA venue upgrades, known as Unit Management Plans, will be made available for review and comment by the public. 

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.