Letter to the Editor: Leishman Point
A recent letter suggests 16 luxury homes for Leishman's Point and commercial development
for Whitehouse Bay are the best choices. I strongly disagree. Many regular folks battled
for years to force the return of shoreline property for all the people of Waddington, not
for only 16 super-wealthy.
Waddingtonians have recognized the recreational and public use value of Leishman's Point
for years. The town beach and park have attracted many visitors; and many locals can walk
from downtown. About 20 years ago, Supervisor J. Albert Wright sought to expand the public
use of Leishman's Point. At Supervisor Wright's request, Clarkson University designed a
walkway, park, and amphitheatre for everyone to use and enjoy. The plans remain tucked
away while the Town Board pushes an ill-conceived and poorly researched development for a
few rich people.
In the mid-1980's NYPA was asked to build the infrastructure along 3 miles of shoreline at
Whitehouse Bay. Imagine hundreds of 100 foot lots available at $20,000 each in a lottery
for the "common" folks. Yes, a few hundred very precious acres have been
returned to Waddington. Quickly selling the most attractive parcel is a mistake. It
happens that my own property will be more valuable whether Leishman's Point is home to a
few well-to-do, or to a mixed-use park with an amphitheatre, and sensible, modest
development.
Many residents'are embarrassed with downtown. It will take time, energy, vision, and
effort to return our community to a quaint, historic village of decades ago. No one wants
an Alexandria Bay, but our citizens will have to decide if they are satisfied with the way
things have been for the past couple of decades when the older group had its chance, or do
they want something accomplished with a younger, enthusiastic group. Whether you agree or
not with my personal vision for a better Waddington is not the point. The point is that we
should not rush to sell the most valuable property that has been returned to Waddington.
Leishman's Point was not available for the last fifty years; if Leishman's Point is sold
to a privileged few, it will be gone forever.
Vote "no" on October 14th.
Thomas J. Snider
Originally published 10/05/2003
Ogdensburg Journal
Used with permission