John Caffry, a lawyer for Protect the Adirondacks and the Sierra Club, is spinning a tall tale when he blames the closing of Big Tupper Ski Area on the developers' lack of capital ("Big Tupper ski center closes," Sept. 27).
He knows full well that the Adirondack Club and Resort developers are strictly prohibited by Adirondack Park Agency rules from putting any money into the area's operation until they have permits in hand, which they would if not for the legal chicanery of Protect the Adirondacks and the Sierra Club.
Three years ago, the community group ARISE had done yeoman's work in raising private funds to restore the area so our youth could have the opportunity to regain their skiing heritage.
For two years, we enjoyed great success. But ours is a small, working-class community and when last year's snow drought kept us closed for all but 12 days, our resources were drained.
When the APA ruled 10-1 to award the permits, we were relieved the resort would at last be able to put some money into keeping the mountain open until the full-scale restoration could begin. The community of Tupper Lake looked forward to support that effort.
But it was not to be. By filing what many believe to be a malicious and frivolous lawsuit, Mr. Caffry and the big environmental groups have effectively blocked that plan and the people of Tupper will have to suspend the area's operation. He can, and no doubt will, continue in his efforts to draw out the process to bleed dry the proponents. But he cannot change the fact that if it were not for the lawsuit Big Tupper would be open this year.
THOMAS SCIACCA
Tupper Lake
