Destination Management Plan

The Lake Placid & North Elba Destination Management Plan

 

The Village of Lake Placid, The Town of North Elba, and ROOST are currently developing a Destination Management Plan (DMP) for Lake Placid/North Elba. The plan provides a 10-year road map, aligning the priorities of local government, economic development, community organizations, and residents to balance the tourism industry with community needs. The goal is to ensure the quality of life for residents that compliments the quality of place for visitors. The destination management plan will assist the region with:

 

    • Diversifying the local economy and the opportunities that it provides.
    • Elevating the region as a desirable place to live, work, visit, and invest.
    • Enhancing the overall well-being and resilience of the community.

 

Meet the DMP Implementation Committee

 

    • Lori Fitzgerald,  Lake Placid/North Elba Community Development Commission
    • Haley Breen, community development director, Town of North Elba/Village of Lake Placid
    • James McKenna, CEO, ROOST
    • Emily Kilburn-Politi, councilor, Town of North Elba
    • James Lemons, executive director, Lake Placid Center for the Arts
    • Mary Jane Lawrence, COO, ROOST
    • Dan Kelleher, APA
    • Darcy Norfolk, ORDA
    • Jackie Kelly, trustee, Village of Lake Placid
    • Tim Seymour, superintendent, Lake Placid Central School
    • Derek Doty, superintendent, Town of North Elba
    • Art Devlin, mayor, Village of Lake Placid
    • Ashley Walden, ORDA
    • Greg Borzilleri, Lake Placid Marathon

 

 

 

Destination Management Plan FAQ

What was the process for the development of the Lake Placid North Elba Development Plan?

The DMP process

The development of the destination management plan was facilitated by MMGY Next Factor with the guidance of the DMP Steering Committee. MMGY NextFactor is an industry-leading consulting firm specializing in travel and tourism and has helped facilitate destination management plans for communities such as Breckenridge in Colorado, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and Washtenaw in Michigan. The process included the following 5 phases:

 

  • Phase 1 – Analysis of existing public and private plans and data.
  • Phase 2 – The MMGY NextFactor team will speak with local public and private organizations developing other strategic plans in the region for alignment.
  • Phase 3 – Focus groups identify opportunities and challenges relating to existing infrastructure, assets, and experiences in the region, plus future developments.
  • Phase 4 – Public forum where residents can give feedback on the destination management plan.
  • Phase 5 – Formal development of the destination management plan.

Who helped to guide the development of the plan?

The DMP Steering Committee

A steering committee was established to provide strategic guidance on the project, establish priorities for goals and initiatives, and be a champion in the region for the plan and its implementation. 

Members include:

  • Joe Barile, resident
  • Peter Bauer, executive director, Protect the Adirondacks
  • Donna Beal, executive director, Mercy Care for the Adirondacks
  • Catherine Bemis, principal, St. Agnes School
  • Haley Breen, community development director, Town of North Elba/Village of Lake Placid
  • Tom Broderick, associate head of school, Northwood School
  • Roger Catania, superintendent, Lake Placid Central School District
  • Tom Connors, formerly of Workshop
  • Dean Dietrich, chairman, Lake Placid/North Elba Community Development Commission
  • Lori Fitzgerald, president, Lake Placid Business Association
  • Sylvia Getman, CEO, Adirondack Health
  • Brad Hathaway, superintendent Lake Placid Department of Public Works
  • Colleen Holmes, Engel & Volkers Real Estate
  • Far Horizon, resident
  • Seth Jones, education director, Adirondack Mountain Club
  • Jackie Kelly, trustee, Village of Lake Placid
  • Mary Jane Lawrence, chief operating officer, ROOST
  • James Lemons, executive director, Lake Placid Center for the Arts
  • Lisa Lester, High Peaks Resort
  • George Leveille, Summit Lacrosse
  • Butch Martin, manager, North Elba Park District
  • Jim McKenna, CEO, ROOST
  • Bill Moore, chief, Lake Placid Police Department
  • Emily Politi, councilor, Town of North Elba
  • Mike Pratt, CEO, Olympic Regional Development Authority
  • Ashley Walden, executive director, Adirondack Sports Council
  • Brendan Wiltse, water quality director, Adirondack Watershed Institute

Were there any public meetings associated with the development of this plan?

Destination Management Plan Public Engagement Meetings

The following public meetings were conducted to help facilitate the development of the Lake Placid – North Elba Destination Plan.