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Governor okays new Clarkson rowing team boathouse in Norwood

Posted 8/8/14

Clarkson rowers Dan Allen (left) and Aaron Dahl took first place in the men’s pair event at the 2014 American Collegiate Rowing Championship in May against older more established university varsity …

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Governor okays new Clarkson rowing team boathouse in Norwood

Posted

Clarkson rowers Dan Allen (left) and Aaron Dahl took first place in the men’s pair event at the 2014 American Collegiate Rowing Championship in May against older more established university varsity teams from around the country.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that will allow Clarkson University to build a new boathouse on the Raquette River in Norwood for its crew club team.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Joseph Griffo and Assemblywoman Addie Russell, had passed both houses of the legislature without any dissenting votes.

The Village of Norwood Board of Trustees unanimously passed a home rule message in support of the legislation.

The legislation authorizes the Village of Norwood to lease use 0.23 acres of the 12.7 acre Norwood Recreation Park to Clarkson to build and use of that property for a boathouse for the 50-member Clarkson University Crew Club Team, to begin this summer and be finished before the next snowfall.

“The rowing competitions with other top schools on Norwood Lake will certainly be an economic benefit to us,” said Norwood Village Mayor James H. McFaddin. "We look forward to adding these meets to other events -- like the Norwood Regatta -- that bring tourists and other visitors to our community."

Norwood expects to benefit from hosting recreational rowing events that promote parkland use and local tourism, and Norwood will get Clarkson’s help in controlling invasive aquatic plants along the Norwood Recreation Park shoreline.

Clarkson spokesman Michael Griffin said legislation was required because the boathouse is to be on park land.

"We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Cuomo, Senator Griffo and Assemblywoman Russell in making this project a reality, as well as the elected officials and people of the Village of Norwood who have been welcoming hosts for our crew team and others in the rowing community," said Clarkson President Tony Collins. "The boathouse construction is a win/win proposition for the Village of Norwood, the North Country Region and Clarkson University."

"This new law is a result of the positive working relationship between the Village and the University. It helps the Crew Team Club to improve the visibility of this sport, provides construction and improvement to one of the Park's facilities and acts as a draw for racers, coaches and spectators to come to the region. I'm pleased to have been able to help close the deal for these efforts," said Sen. Griffo.

"I am happy that we were able to work with Norwood and Clarkson and pass this legislation. This partnership will provide exposure to the region’s fantastic assets, drawing new visitors to this venue. Rowing is a great fit with the Norwood Community and perhaps their activities will inspire more to participate in paddling sports along our beautiful waterways," said Assemblywoman Russell.

"The North Country is one of the special places on the planet to visit, live, study and work. This legislation advances yet another mutually beneficial collaboration to advance quality of life and grow economic opportunities,” said Collins.