PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE The past repeats itself in many ways. When the PLPA was first formed, the overriding reason was to help the residents battle what was perceived as an unfair tax situation. Sound familiar? If you reside in the Town of Bleecker, you have experienced the pain of revaluation and reassessments first hand. Rather than repeating myself, I will include with this issue of the newsletter information summarizing a meeting of interested parties that was sent to all who have provided us with your email address. This communication highlights some of the issues facing us all, Town of Johnstown residents included. As a result of this meeting, a Political Action Committee (PAC) was formed to address strategic plans in the tax battle.

A three-pronged approach will be mounted as follows:

1. Address Town issues (fair assessments, common interests between lake and non-lake residents, etc.) to be run by Mick Brenno (who is also the PLPA liaison to the Town of Bleecker). I would plead with someone from the Town of Johnstown to fill a similar role. If interested, please contact me at 725-5347.
2. Explore School tax budgetary issues, including a meeting with the Budget Director to gain an understanding of the process.
3. Become politically active at County/State levels with lobbying activities to involve letter writing campaigns, petitions, meetings with legislators, assemblymen and state leaders.

On another topic, I would like to take a brief opportunity to thank each and every member of the PLPA Board of Directors and every individual who has assisted the PLPA in its many activities over the past year. None of our programs and activities would be able to take place without the generous assistance of everyone involved. Spring Cleanup has gone from a select few to a large gathering of congenial folks who brave black flies, mud, dead critters and a myriad of disgusting junk to improve our roadways. I was very pleased to meet Alfred and Mary Hoke during cleanup, who volunteered from the camper community and was only sorry that I did not have enough time to get acquainted. Come back next year! A particular note of thanks goes to Larry Doubleday for stepping in to make sure the directory will be printed this year at a time when the volunteer found they were unable to complete the project due to family concerns. We all are grateful for those such as Larry who make whatever sacrifices are necessary for the benefit of the entire lake.

Thank you.
Nancy J. Allen

PLPA Mailing Addresses / Forwarding Instructions An increasing number of members have provided time dependent mailing address information. In order to keep the mailing process as simple as possible, members are asked to please take note of the following:

• The PLPA maintains two addresses for each PeckÕs Lake property. The first is the property location and the second is a mailing address. (Vacant lots are not assigned a "911" address until a structure or improvement is present or made.)
• Property owners that have a mailing address different from their property location are expected to provide the United States Postal Service with the proper forwarding instructions. This puts the control of where your mail goes under your control.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Interest has been expressed at several times in the past to form a Neighborhood Watch to give all of us a greater sense of security. Joanne Wheelock researched the program and contacted the local sheriffÕs office. The Sheriff indicated he would be happy to come to the lake to give background information and methods to form a Neighborhood Watch. It was his recommendation that we first obtain a generous number of volunteers, particularly year round residents, prior to beginning the program. To sign up please complete the questionnaire found on the PLPA web site or call Nancy Allen at 725-5347.

This month's issue, as always, included our Calendar of Events and a listing of our Officers, Board Members & Committee Chairpeople.

BUOYS Emilio Muscolino has recently stepped down as Buoy Chairperson. We would like to thank Emilio for establishing the buoy and map system and building, improving, placing and maintaining the buoys for the last few years. His hard work and commitment to this project will be missed. The Fish Stocking Committee has assumed responsibility for the buoys. If you find buoys out-of-position or have any questions, please contact a member of the Fish Stocking Committee.
We have recently purchased a 5-MPH buoy that has been placed in the center of the channel coming into Beaver Bay. Please observe the speed limit into the bay and whenever you are less than 200 feet from any shore. This is not only a lake regulation but also the law in New York.

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE SAILBOAT RACE: 4th of July/10 AM All classes and all capabilities welcome. Two mile triangular course. Free sailorsÕ libation afterwards. Call Larry Doubleday, 725-6680 or Simon Aman, 773-4284 for details.

INDEPENDENCE DAY FLARES Š Sunday, July 4, 2004 So traditional we can't remember when it began. At dusk, light a standard road flare on your dock and share the evening with friends / neighbors from all around the lake.

Welcome new Peck's Lake property owners:

• Mike & Michele Downing, Lot 6, Maplewood Drive
• Willie & Kelly Murphy, 670 North Shore Road
• Marty & Jackie Sayne, 309 South Shore Road
• J.G. Morgan & Michael Geraghty, 445 South Shore Road
• Val & Vince Nicotina, Lot PR14
• Rick & Sandra Wiese, 510 North Shore Road

TAKE A HIKE! We all enjoy this wonderful lake, but we're also located in the Adirondack forest, and we can enjoy that as well. Here's an invitation to do just that! If you went on the PLPA hike the morning of the picnic last August, you hiked a newly blazed trail on the North Shore that extended from Carlsons (313 N. Shore) to a knoll overlooking the end of the North Shore Road. Since then, that trail has been extended and part of it marked with white diamond or square trail markers. Sections of the trail that access the main trail are marked with white squares. They are from Maplewood Drive opposite Brennos (148 Maplewood Dr.) to the North Shore left of Carlsons, and from opposite 120 Hemlock Drive (Wolfes), leading across N. Shore (between Hemlock Dr. and Henrys, 422 N. Shore) to the main trail. On the main section of the trail to the left of Carlsons, you can now follow white diamonds to the trail access on North Shore opposite Henrys. Current plans are to extend the trail markings to other portions of the trail as trail improvements proceed.
This all season hiking/recreation trail (ATVs are not permitted) is intended for the enjoyment of lake residents and their guests. An ultimate goal is also for the trail to be a great snowshoe and ski trail in the winter.
Our thanks go to the Peck family for allowing the use of their lands for this trail. If you have any questions or suggestions about the trail, call Dick Carlson (773-7571) or Arnie Henry (725-7922).
Also, keep these dates in mind (details to follow):

• Aug. 22, Sunday a.m. (the day after the picnic): PLPA summer hike
• Oct. 9, Saturday a.m. (Columbus Day weekend): PLPA fall hike

12th Annual Bernie Sleeper MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT This yearÕs tournament will be held Saturday, July 31, 2004 at Nick Stoner Golf Course in Caroga Lake. First tee is 7:30 AM. Sign up as a foursome or as a single, weÕll try to match you up. The format is Callaway and all are encouraged to come out have a good time, prizes for men, women, and the "over 60" set.
If you want a cart, remember to call the Pro shop early to reserve one. Participants pay their own green fees and cart rental. A $5.00 registration fee covers the cost of prizes. So come on, sign up and a have a good time! See the included flyer for more details.

PLPA Annual Dinner, Saturday, July 31st See the enclosed flyer for details. DonÕt forget to register ASAP!

BREAKFAST at ROCK ISLAND Š Sunday, August 1, 2004, 10a.m. An impromptu repast on the waters near one our most renowned geological features. Bring a dish to share. An event all should experience. Contact Thank you for your continued support, and please practice CATCH & RELEASE.

PLPA CLOTHING With the overwhelming success of the PLPA t-shirts at the Picnic last year, we are now offering additional PLPA clothing. We have sweatshirts, golf shirts, denim shirts and baseball hats with a fully embroidered map of the lake with either a fish or loon imposed over the map. We are offering the clothing in a variety of colors and sizes. Please visit our Clothing Web Page at for more information and look for our display table at upcoming events.

May 17, 2004
 
Dear PLPA Members,
 
As many are aware, last Friday a meeting of (mostly) Town of Bleecker lake residents was held to discuss the recent assessment increases. While there were over 60 individuals in attendance, I would like to bring everyone up to date on the salient points raised. John Peck, Bleecker Town Board member spoke to the issues and answered numerous questions. Some of the topics covered included:

• Assessment increases of from 10% to 30% were realized by PeckÕs Lake residents as a result of the New York State Office of Real Property Services review of 2003-04 sales, which indicated a continuing upward trend of lake property values.
• In order to maintain the townÕs commitment to the Annual Reassessment Plan submitted to the State last year, the Town of Bleecker must look at every property at least every three years, but may do so annually if sale trends support. This year, properties on Lake Edward and PeckÕs Lake were done.
• A question was raised as to the relatively few sales of homes on the lake that were higher than the assessed value as compared to the larger number of sales in the remainder of the town with increased market value based on sales and why the entire town was not reassessed to reflect those values.
• The new town assessor, David Galarneau (no relation to the previous assessor) had a short period of time from his new hire to process the tentative tax roll. Individuals were encouraged to review their proposed assessment carefully and if filing a grievance to be sure to fill out the form completely and offer ample evidence of comparables to support their claim.
• The tax rate that comprises the total tax $ per thousand is inflated on the county level by New York State unfunded mandates such as Medicaid and the State Retirement System and on the local level by an unusually high School tax ($21 per thousand last year).
• The market value of homes around the lake are, in general, reflected by the current assessed value but the tax rates as reflected above place an undue burden on Fulton County taxpayers.
• A move to change the town or the lake to another school district would require an act of legislature.
• Everyone was encouraged to attend town board meetings that are held the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.
• A letter writing campaign to Assemblyman Marc Butler and to Senator Hugh Farley for tax relief on the county level and through the Star Exemption for small city school tax rates was strongly encouraged.
• Volunteers were solicited to form a political action committee to begin working on the county and state levels to voice property owners concerns. Anyone interested in assisting in this committee, please contact Nancy Allen at 725-5347.

Formation of PeckÕs Lake Political Action Committee In response to the recent reassessment of Peck Lake properties and the resulting substantial tax increases, the PLPA has established a Political Action Committee (PAC) to address these vital issues.
Interested residents were invited to the PACÕs first meeting on May 28th at which Patricia Wadsworth, a new North Shore property owner, was elected chairperson. The following Mission Statement was adopted at the committeeÕs subsequent meeting on June 11th:

Peck Lake Political Action Committee, Established by the residents of Peck Lake in Gloversville, NY to ensure reasonable local and county taxes and equitable assessments for all New York State property owners by working cooperatively with statewide taxpayer groups and other pertinent public organizations in sharing information, providing public awareness, and conducting effective governmental lobbying activities.

The organizational structure of the PAC is currently being formulated. The following key target groups have been identified to implement the Mission Statement:

• the State of New York
• Fulton County
• the Town of Bleecker
• the Town of Johnstown
• the Gloversville School District

All of the above public entities have a direct impact on the assessment process and the property/school taxes that are currently being levied within the county. Unfunded mandates from the State of New York, plus federal and state funding formulas have a direct bearing on the budgets being generated by the county, the towns of Bleecker and Johnstown, and the Gloversville School District: the annual reassessment and review process of properties is governed by New YorkÕs State Real Property Tax Law.
The PAC will be forming subcommittees to create pro-active participation with all the above groups. Their goals will be to seek information, monitor budgets and tax rates, seek accountability for value of services rendered by the county, the towns and the school district, and to lobby at a State level for needed changes in the systems that have resulted in the current unfair property taxation and assessments within Fulton County.
Communication, both internal and external, will be a vital link in ensuring the success of PAC. County and statewide networking with other taxpayer groups has already begun. The media will be used for public awareness, and lobbying will be accomplished through letter-writing campaigns and legislative visits to Albany. Monthly updates of PAC activities will be made available to Peck Lake residents.
This effort is vital to all of us who have property on Peck Lake and we hope that you will consider becoming involved with the PAC. Meetings are being held twice a month and notices of their dates, times, and locations will be posted on the north and south shore bulletin boards plus via e-mail. If you would like more information or want to be a part of the PAC, please contact Patricia Wadsworth at 773-9889.

Loon Safety In August 2003, a Peck Lake loon became entangled in fishing lines and subsequently drowned. As more homes are built on the lake and boat traffic increases, the risk to our loonsÕ health and safety becomes greater. We ask everyone using the lake to retrieve broken/stray fishing lines whenever noted. If you fish, please donÕt leave your fishing lines unattended! Thank You

Join the Adirondack Cooperative Loon ProgramÕs - July 17th, 2004 Annual Loon Census On July 17th, from 8-9 a.m., the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program (ACLP) will conduct its fourth Annual Loon Census. ACLP's Annual Loon Census is conducted to monitor and assess long-term trends of the loon population summering in the Adirondack Park and the surrounding region. The Annual Loon Census is an excellent opportunity to participate in the Adirondack Cooperative Loon ProgramÕs loon research in the Adirondack Park.
The Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program is a collaborative research and education effort focusing on the natural history of the Common Loon (Gavia immer) and the effects of contaminants and human interactions on the Adirondack loon population. Initiated in 2001, the ACLP is a partnership of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, New York State Department of Conservation, BioDiversity Research Institute, and the Audubon Society of New York State.
The ACLP conducts scientific research to determine the status and trends in the loon population in the Park, the impact of mercury contamination on this populationÕs reproductive success, and to identify the migratory patterns and wintering areas of Adirondack loons. This work is coordinated with similar research throughout northeastern North America to better understand loon natural history and anthropogenic impacts on loon populations on a regional scale. ACLP also seeks to minimize anthropogenic impacts on loon populations and other wildlife through a variety of public education projects, including presentations, ACLPÕs website, newsletters, a lead sinker exchange project, and interactive student programs for classes in the Park. Adirondack Park residents and visitors are invited to learn firsthand about conservation of loons and their environment through participation in ACLPÕs research and monitoring projects.
CENSUS OBSERVERS ARE NEEDED!
Help ACLP determine the abundance and distribution of loons throughout the Park during the breeding season!
Observers in the Peck/Canada Lake area will be a significant contribution to the results of the Annual Loon Census. Instructions on how to sign up for a census lake will be available on ACLPÕs website in June.
If you would like to participate in the Annual Loon Census, or would like additional information about the ACLP, please contact ACLPÕs Program Manager at (518) 891-8836 with your name and phone number.

DonÕt Forget the Fall Golf Scramble -- Sunday, September 26, 2004 Keep those clubs out! The format will be a four-person scramble, to be held at Fox Run in Johnstown. Enjoy an informal "buy your own lunch" and maybe even win a prize for the lucky golfers. Check the PLPA website and your bulletin board for details and reserve that date for a fun day. Please hold off until August to call Bill Nitsche (725-1849) for reserving your tee time.

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Copyright © 2004 Peck Lake Protective Assoc.   Last Update 08-15-04