During these economically challenging times ...

To the editor:

This letter is in response to a letter from Donald and Donna Gerace that was published in your July 20, edition. It is my opinion that the letter misrepresents any actions the Town of Inlet may be considering and makes irrational, exaggerated claims on the possible repercussions relative to other private property owners.

Inlet is looking to enforce a long standing easement along the edge of a public channel, supporting foot traffic for residents and visitors. It is approximately the width of a town sidewalk. The majority of this traffic is dedicated to the pursuit of supporting Inlet’s local businesses by local boaters. The issue has little and nothing to do with the shoreline surrounding the lake. It is not a precedent to governmental forces seizing people’s property.

The Gerace’s claims regarding the potential seizure of public property are really nothing more than you or I claiming that a sidewalk in front of our home, and its easement use by our neighbors and visitors, is a seizure of private property. I own a home. There are easements. There’s a sidewalk.  Would you view that easement as a seizure of your property?

My family has been coming to the Adirondack Mountains for generations. I have been coming to the Fulton Chain and Inlet for well over 40 years. I grew up in New York State. I now reside in Pennsylvania and still come to Fourth Lake and Inlet almost annually, along with my wife and children. I have seen the Inlet Channel boardwalk in more economically vibrant times. The Gerace’s interpretation is one that is economically disadvantageous to Inlet, during times that are economically challenging.

Please note, that while living remote from Inlet, given my family’s history of visiting the area, I have an informed basis for sitting down and writing this letter, knowing that I am not only speaking for myself as a visitor to the area, but that I am also speaking to the feelings of others who are more resident to, and owners of property within, the Town of Inlet.

Sincerely,

Mark F. Wait (and family)