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Leishman Point > Studies

a.      “Directions for Change”

In 1987 the St. Lawrence County Planning Board recommended uses for the 5,100 acres classified as surplus by NYPA in a document called “Directions for Change”. Interestingly, single-family homes were not the only use recommended for Leishman Point.   A resort complex with inn, restaurant, tennis and boating was also listed as one of the preferred uses.  A commercial campground, and developed recreational area, with landscaping, view areas, trails and picnic areas were also recommended.

“Directions for Change” Land Use Recommendations

Rendering of Concepts for Leishman and Ogden Island; Highlighted Area is the Hotel; Ogden Island was to Developed – Why was it not also returned to Waddington?

b.      RahenKamp Study        

At the request of the St. Lawrence County Planning Board, NYPA hired John  ahenkamp Consultants, Inc., from Philadelphia, PA in 1988 to conduct a market/demographic/environmental survey to determine the feasibility of the various proposals. The survey results said permanent, year-round housing was neither desirable nor realistic, and every attempt should be made to use any surplus land for economic development.  A resort hotel was listed as a land use that was both desirable and realistic. 

The main reason for Rahenkamp’s conclusion was because the area’s population was not increasing and declining industries, such as Alcoa, created a weak housing market.  Times have not changed much, as Alcoa recently cut 110 jobs and unfortunately more are inevitable over the next couple of years as they struggle to be profitable in an increasingly competitive global market.  Alcoa and other global industries cannot make the profit demanded by stockholders by manufacturing in New York and other states throughout the United States.

Yes, the water-view lots on Leishman Point could eventually be sold, but doing so will further weaken the housing market away from the water.   Evidence of an already weak market is witnessed throughout Waddington.  There are still many desirable lots and nice houses for sale at Clark Point, Nell Manner, River Rd and Brandy Brook Drive, among other places. Some houses have been for sale for over 2 years.  All of these lots (over 30) have municipal water/sewer and if sold and developed, could increase the tax base and help to reduce the water/sewer rates.

Recommendations of Rahenkamp Study

c.      NYPA Land Use and Recreation Report

NYPA also suggested an Inn/restaurant for Leishman Point in their January 1994  Land Use and Recreation Report” which was supported by many agencies, including St. Lawrence County.

            Recommendation of State and County in 1994

d.      Waddington LWRP

Waddington’s own Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, or LWRP, from 1990, inventoried various properties along the shores of Lake St. Lawrence and developed specific land use policies and projects.  To the town’s and village’s credit, much of Phase I of the plan has been completed.  An expanded beach, amphitheater and marina are future phases which are yet to be completed at the Leishman Point area.  These proposed projects, and the current construction of St. Lawrence University’s crew team boat house, indicate that the direction of development for Leishman Point is toward commercial and recreational uses.  The LWRP states that water related and water dependent activities and land uses, that increase economic development through tourism, should be given top priority. 

The LWRP also included two prospective sites for marinas.  One was the mouth of Sucker Brook and the other was the inland bay at Leishman Point (which was later identified as a muskie spawning area by DEC).

Additionally, the LWRP earmarked Clark Point to be developed as a commercial/industrial area.  This would have been an ideal location for a hotel, restaurant, docking and shops, but the property owner, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA), decided to develop this as a residential area, leaving Waddington with few options for commercial property on the water that is within walking distance of the village.

Excerpt from Waddington LWRP Shows Desire to Encourage Tourism Related Businesses on Surplus Lands

e.      Town Officials Dismiss Recommendations/Push Residential Plan

Despite the recommendations of various studies and reports, a group called the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), which consisted mostly of elected officials, opposed any development other than residential for Leishman Point.   Minutes from the Town of Waddington meeting June 1993 show that this group convinced the St. Lawrence County Planning Board to change their position to support the residential concept.  Incidentally, this was the last public meeting held by the Town of Waddington discussing Leishman Point.  The subject of Leishman Point did not arise again for almost nine years.

Finally, in January 2002, after 16 years, 544.53 acres at Whitehouse Bay, 103.95 acres from three different parcels at the end of River Rd., and 21.9 acres, from arguably the most valuable piece of property, at Leishman Point, were deeded back to the people of Waddington.

So-called Citizens Committee; Most Were Self-Appointed Elected Officials

Copy of Waddington Town Board Minutes, 1993; The Last Town of Waddington Public Meeting, Discussing Leishman Point before it was Returned in Jan. 2002

Summary of Studies / Recommendations