Ballot Proposals

Proposal 1: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land

What it would do:

The amendment allows construction and long-term maintenance of Nordic skiing and biathlon trails (up to 323 acres) at the Mount Van Hoevenberg complex—land that’s currently classified as “forever wild” forest preserve. In exchange, New York State must permanently add at least 2,500 acres of new land to the Adirondack Park forest preserve.

Why it matters:

Without a constitutional amendment, such development would violate New York’s “forever wild” protection in Article XIV, Section 1 of the State Constitution. This amendment formally authorizes the existing and expanded use, while ensuring conservation outcomes elsewhere.

Vote meaning:

YES — You approve the amendment, allowing the sports complex development in exchange for new forest preservation.

NO — You do not approve the amendment, and the land remains fully protected under current rules.

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL TEXT OF THE AMENDMENT