Letter to the Editor: Leishman Point
Why is it more seemly feasible by some to use Leishman Point property in the town of
Waddington for commercial use and recreation area than the Iroquois Dam area where the
land is by far less steep to the river then at Leishman Point? Because it is too steep to
the river at Leishman Point a marina and/or public docks would not be a good idea. Also
because of the shipping, wakes would or could create problems for buoys moored there.
One of the biggest problems, I think seems to be the septic system required for
residential and commercial use combined at Leishman Point. "If" commercial
building is being sought what will be the "potential" size of the system
required? Do you initially install a very, very large system anticipating the advent of a
hotel, elderly home facility or whatever else Waddington "might" attract?
Initially, without any commercial business committed or onboard for infrastructure
development the very large system needed would add considerably to the up-front costs of
such a venture without any realistic cost recovery. This could very well also hold up
selling properties for a residential housing. Also, let's get real here, who wants to
spend a few hundred thousand dollars on a home knowing you are going to be neighbors to a
commercial development?
Then there is the increased daily vehicle traffic created by commercial use creating a
situation for the River Road residential folks already living there. I really don't think
the owners of these very beautiful homes would like tat thrust upon them? The Iroquois Dam
area has an easy access off Rt. 37, especially for the heavy equipment needed to build
commercial properties. "Normally" developers for commercial buildings are
looking for "tax breaks" and building concessions such as sewer and water before
starting such a venture.
Also to have adequate water pressure for commercial building it is a very distinct
possibility that a water tower would have to be installed. Water sprinklers for fire have
to have constant pressure to operate per state building codes which might not be able to
be maintained by a well system alone. Who pays for that? Also a residential area doesn't
really want to look at a water tower if they don't have to.
There is enough, actually more than enough land available at the Iroquois Dam area with
very level access to the St. Lawrence River at many locations along its banks. No village
roads would have to be used to access the Iroquois Dam site thus not creating both a short
and long term potential traffic problem.
I think the WRA Group would be better off using the Iroquois Dam area as their
development. A rocket scientist I am not, but common sense has to enter the picture here
on the pros and cons of both sites and I believe Leishman Point should be reserved for
residential building purposes only.
My vote is yes based on the information and actual site visits I have made by truck and
walking.
Gary W. Wahl
Waddington
Originally published 09/28/2003
Ogdensburg Journal
Used with permission