Paterson: Deal in place to keep parks open

Governor David Paterson says an agreement is in place to keep all state parks open for the Memorial Day weekend.

This from the Associated Press:

"The Paterson administration has listed 41 parks and 14 of the state's 35 historic sites for closing, along with service cuts at others, to help close the state's budget gap.

"Speaking on WOR radio 710's 'The John Gambling Show,' Paterson said negotiations that ended early Thursday morning would provide $11 million for full operations this year, offset by money from the Environmental Protection Fund, which would be cut by about $74 million.

"Lawmakers, who wanted smaller EPF cuts and balked at Paterson's proposal earlier in the week, are expected to vote on the plan later in the day."

More on John Brown Farm's 'endangered' status

Here's some more information regarding the status of the John Brown Farm as one of America's "11 Most Endangered Historic Places."

This is from a release issued just a few minutes ago:

The Preservation League of New York State, Parks & Trails New York, not-for-profit advocacy groups and members of the New York State Senate and Assembly joined officials from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in announcing that America's State Parks and State-Owned Historic Sites have been named to the Trust's annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

John Brown Farm among 11 endangered historic sites

Lake Placid is getting some national attention -- and for once it has nothing to do with the Olympics.

The Associated Press reports that the John Brown Farm historic site is featured on America's "11 Most Endangered Historic Places" list.

John Brown Farm slated for closure

This is by no means the first place you'll read this -- but officials confirmed yesterday that the John Brown Farm historic site in Lake Placid is slated for closure in Governor David Paterson's 2010-2011 Executive Budget.

However, North Elba Town Supervisor Roby Politi told me Thursday there's "no way we'll let the John Brown Farm close."

"I see it as an opportunity for the community," he said. "If in fact the Governor decides to cut those kinds of costs, this is a perfect fit for the town of North Elba because we have a designated Park District here that was established for the 1932 Olympics. Those lands adjoin the John Brown Farm. If the state decides this is the route they want to go, the town of North Elba would certainly step up to the plate and takeover that facility."

It was also rumored the Crown Point historic site would close, too. My colleague Jon Alexander did some digging Friday, and told me that was not the case and the site was not listed among the 41 parks and historic sites released yesterday.