Another Adirondack black eye for state environment officials

The Adirondack Park Agency will likely be on the hook for at least $200,000 for the legal fees of Salim “Sandy” Lewis, the town of Essex farmer who prevailed after a lengthy lawsuit.

Now the Department of Environmental Conservation has agreed to pay Lake Placid’s Jim McCulley $58,000 to settle a legal battle involving the Old Mountain Road, also known as a leg of the Jackrabbit ski trail.

McCulley’s attorney Matt Norfolk issued this statement today:

The settlement brings Jim some vindication and, of course, credibility.
Jim was right on the law and facts concerning the history and status of Old Mountain Road and he was right on the law and facts concerning DEC’s unlawful closure of Old Mountain Road and I believe he was right on DEC’s preferential treatment of recreational organizations allowing them unfettered, exclusive use of Old Mountain Road by motorized vehicles.

In an interview with the Plattsburgh Press-Republican, state officials confirmed the settlement.