Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the Master Plan to establish a Gateway to the Adirondacks at Exit 29 of the Northway, in the town of North Hudson. Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, the future Gateway site once hosted Frontier Town, a popular theme park that has been unoccupied for years. The Governor also announced that Paradox Brewery, a New York State-born craft beverage business, will expand its operations at the Gateway site, invest $2.8 million and create 22 new jobs in North Hudson. The State will work with public and private partners to secure an estimated $32 million to create a world-class tourism destination at the site.

“The Gateway to the Adirondacks will be a world-class tourism hub at a strategic location to attract new visitors to the Adirondack Park and drive economic growth in the North Country,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Master Plan, developed with key community partners, builds on our comprehensive efforts to protect the Adirondack Park while attracting tourists to experience the wide array of outstanding recreation options this region has to offer.”

New York State and the Open Space Institute, working in collaboration with five neighboring Adirondack towns, engaged a private firm to create a blueprint for a new recreation hub that would improve local amenities, expand access, and draw increased visitors to this part of the Park. The Master Plan was developed in partnership with the Town of North Hudson, the five towns of the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub, the Empire State Forest Products Association, the Open Space Institute, and Essex County, whose industrial development agency will oversee operation. The Gateway site sits on a mix of Essex County and town of North Hudson property totaling about 300 acres, and includes almost a mile and a half of the picturesque Schroon River.

The Master Plan for the Gateway to the Adirondacks includes:

• A DEC campground and day use area along the Schroon River
• Equestrian camping and trail riding area
• Visitor Information Center to introduce visitors to the world class recreation destinations in the Adirondack Park
• Event center with tourist accommodations
• Interactive exhibits in historic structures highlighting the past, present, and future of the Adirondack forest products and local food industries

Paradox Brewery plans to expand its brewing operations at the new Gateway location in 2017, as well as open a saloon offering a selection of New York beers and food. Paradox currently operates a tasting room at Schroon Lake. In order to encourage the expansion and creation of 22 new jobs, Empire State Development has offered up to $200,000 in performance-based incentives, including a grant and Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits.

Exit 29 of the Northway is at the confluence of the Blue Ridge Highway and Route 9. The Blue Ridge Highway is an all-season road that travels through thousands of acres of Adirondack Forest Preserve and conservation easement lands, including the recently acquired Boreas Ponds property. This route also provides quick and easy access to the towns of Newcomb, Minerva, Long Lake, and Indian Lake. Route 9 links North Hudson to Schroon Lake, and the Route 9 State Bike Route will be part of the proposed Empire State Trail, creating the largest state multi-use trail in the nation.

Paul Mrocka, President and Founder of Paradox Brewery, said: “Paradox Brewery has been looking for land to expand operations and we believe this opportunity in North Hudson is the perfect fit. With the support of the Governor and Empire State Development, we can bring the excitement of craft brewing to another Essex County community. This new location, at the foot of a trail head, fits well with our Adirondack theme. The mountain views are an ideal complement as our visitors experience Pure Adirondack Craft Beer.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “The State’s visionary plan for the Gateway is building on Governor Cuomo’s tireless efforts to conserve the beauty and wildness of the Park while increasing economic opportunities for area residents and businesses. The new Gateway at Exit 29 is easily accessible and within minutes of thousands of miles of recreation trails on public lands and conservation easements open for biking, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling, which connect communities throughout the Park. DEC is grateful to the Open Space Institute for providing the resources necessary to bring everyone together to create the Master Plan.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, our efforts to revitalize the economy across Upstate New York have never been stronger. The Gateway to the Adirondacks will continue to advance our economic mission and bolster the tourism and the craft beverage industries by bringing visitors and jobs to the North Country.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The Gateway to the Adirondacks project is a great example of New York State's commitment and innovative efforts to grow its craft beverage industry. The plan for Paradox Brewery to expand its business at the Gateway will not only help support local agriculture but also boost agritourism and attract more visitors to the Adirondacks."

Senator Betty Little said, “I’ve driven past the former Frontier Town more times than I care to remember, but each time thinking and hoping for something that would once again attract visitors. So, to say the least, I am so happy to see this collaboration of state and local governments and the private sector to create a new destination at this ideal location that will undoubtedly boost tourism throughout the region. I’ve been pleased to work with Governor Cuomo and his administration to grow our tourism industry. The investments made have always paid off well, bringing in more visitors and more revenue for businesses. We have so much to offer, no place compares to the Adirondacks, and this Gateway will be the perfect showcase.”

Assemblyman Dan Stec said, “This exciting project has the potential to draw thousands of visitors to North Hudson to connect to the amazing ýrecreation opportunities in this area of the Park. This coupled with the jobs created through commercial business development will revitalize communities in this region.”

The state and its municipal and private partners will continue efforts to develop the site, focusing initially on developing the equestrian, camping, and associated parking and trail facilities.

North Country Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Anthony G. Collins, President of Clarkson University, and Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said, "The revitalization of Adirondack communities like North Hudson has been at the center of our regional economic development plan from the beginning. Making this town an active gateway for Adirondack visitors, with Paradox Brewery as a new attraction and business and with some 22 new jobs, is nothing short of transformational for North Hudson and a boost for the entire region. We thank Governor Cuomo for his continuing commitment to the North Country and its communities."

Town of North Hudson Supervisor Ron Moore said, “Support by Governor Cuomo for these Master Plan concepts will go a long way in re-establishing North Hudson as a tourist destination and business center, bringing much needed jobs and economic activity to our town. I am very pleased that DEC will be acquiring an interest In Town and County lands to create a camping and recreation area and make certain that a new equestrian center in this part of the Adirondack Park will be wildly successful. This, coupled with the interest of Paradox Brewing to expand operations at the site, will be truly transformative for North Hudson.”

Essex County Chair Randy Preston said, “Essex County is 100% behind the Master Plan concepts and is thrilled to be partnering with Governor Cuomo and the communities of this Adirondack region to realize the tremendous potential for public and private development at this site. The Essex County IDA will be stepping up to manage the project, ensuring consistency in the development concepts and providing assistance to interested private businesses that may want to locate at Exit 29.”

Empire State Forest Products Association Executive Director John Bartow said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the State and local leaders to explore the potential at this site for highlighting the impact that the forest products industry has had and will continue to have on the Adirondack region.”

Kim Elliman President and CEO of the Open Space Institute, said, “The development of this Master Plan is a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration and effective public and private leadership. The shared commitment to expanding recreational access and enhancing economic activity throughout these communities underscores the value of land conservation as we introduce visitors to the millions of Forest Preserve acres that OSI and other groups have helped to preserve. Moreover, this new recreational hub will offer new opportunities for exploration and better disperse visitors.”