Our area is about to benefit with a potential huge economic boost that will create jobs and bring a cash infusion to local businesses, as New York State sets out re-invigorate our local  tourism industry, under extraordinary proposals announced today by Governor Cuomo, in his 2017 State of the State Blue print for the future.

North Hudson appears to be the big winner, with Cuomo’s proposal to create a Master Plan for “Gateway to the Adirondacks” at Northway Exit 29.

Plans for the Frontier Town site include an expanded Paradox Brewery, (see story here), a campground near the Schroon River and an equestrian center, and trail riding area.

There will also be an Event Center with tourist accommodations and facilities for hosting shows and festivals and areas designated for commercial business development, including providers of food, lodging and amenities for visitors and businesses which can grow along the Northway corridor.

From The official release:

"For more than four decades, this entertainment destination was a boon to the local economy, drawing visitors from across the country to the Town of North Hudson. But since 1998 when the theme park was closed, this site at Exit 29 of the Northway has sat dormant. As a result, local jobs, restaurants and lodging have all but disappeared from this once thriving Adirondack community. In 2016, recognizing a critical need to invigorate the economies of these Adirondack communities, Governor Cuomo challenged the Open Space Institute and five neighboring Adirondack towns to collaborate with the State to design a blueprint for a new recreation hub at this location. In 2017, that challenge will be met and a new world-class recreational experience will be 103 realized through the establishment of state, local and private partnerships led by Governor Cuomo to invest up to $32 million to create the Gateway to the Adirondacks. The new hub will include:

A DEC campground and day use area along the Schroon River  - An equestrian camping and trail riding area, similar to DEC equestrian camping and riding facilities at Otter Creek and Brookfield, which are draw visitors from throughout the eastern United States - A Visitor Information Center to introduce visitors to the world class recreational opportunities in the Adirondack Park; - An Event Center with tourist accommodations and facilities for hosting shows and festivals; · Interactive exhibits in historic structures highlighting the past, present, and future of the Adirondack forest products and local food industries; and -  Areas designated for commercial business development including those which provide food, lodging and amenities for visitors and those which can grow at this strategic location along the Northway corridor.

As a first step, the Department of Environmental Conservation will acquire a conservation easement on approximately 300 acres of land with support from the Environmental Protection Fund.

This will allow construction of the public and equestrian camping and 104 day use areas. Paradox Brewery will also be investing $2.8 million to expand its operations at the site thanks in part to $200,000 in incentives from the Empire State Development Corporation. Governor Cuomo’s goal is to promote and increase the economic vitality of the towns connected to this North Hudson location. Transforming this site into an attractive destination will link local and regional resources and provide year round recreation opportunities and services for multiple uses, users and businesses.

The Gateway site will welcome, orient and connect visitors to trail networks, recreation destinations and businesses in the Adirondack Park. Drawing visitors to North Hudson to connect with premier opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and boating. This, coupled with commercial business development, will revitalize communities and help transform this region".