Town Board Meeting Recap

Last night, we held our Monthly Board Meeting at the Community Center. Our special guest was AVCS Superintendent Mike Francia. He discussed the 2026–2027 budget challenges, the district’s strategies for navigating them, and their long-term planning goals. The Town Board engaged in a rigorous Q&A session that lasted over an hour. It is clear that the Town and the School District must work more closely to address the root of the issue: declining enrollment driven by a lack of young families in our district.

Other key highlights from the meeting:

  • New Dog Park: Voted to authorize the creation of a dog park in Au Sable Forks.
  • Arts in the Forks: Approved a partnership for this exciting new community event.
  • Community Support: Approved the use of town roads for a Suicide Awareness fundraiser.
  • And more: The full four-hour meeting is available for viewing on our website.

 

Remote Worker Meeting Recap

At a recent mixer hosted by the Adirondack Innovation Initiative (A2i) at the Upper Jay Art Center, I had the opportunity to discuss our town’s vision for revitalizing Au Sable Forks and supporting our growing community of remote workers. I shared updates on our partnership with Essex County IT to launch a public Wi-Fi network downtown as a crucial step in overcoming unreliable cell service. I also highlighted the ongoing progress of our comprehensive plan. My goal is to ensure the Town of Jay remains a connected and resourceful home for both long-term residents and the location-flexible professionals who are helping our region thrive.

 

APA Community Spotlight

This coming Thursday, March 19th, at 10:00 AM, I will be a guest at the monthly Adirondack Park Agency (APA) meeting. I’ll be delivering a Community Spotlight Presentation highlighting our Town’s rich history, our outstanding assets, and the challenges we face. These are all topics that will be included in our Comprehensive Plan Update.

How to watch live:

 

Attention Water District Users: Upcoming Survey Matters!

Residents in the Jay, Upper Jay, and Au Sable Forks water districts should watch their mailboxes for the upcoming Household Characteristics Survey. This data is vital. State and federal agencies use these metrics to determine our eligibility for grants and low-interest loans. With over $15 million in necessary water and sewer infrastructure projects planned over the next decade, securing this funding is the only way to keep costs manageable for our residents.

While a survey doesn’t guarantee a grant, failing to participate guarantees we won’t qualify. Your response is a direct investment in our community’s future.

  • Landlords: If you rent to tenants, please ensure this survey reaches the residents, as their data is what the agencies require.
  • Already took it? If you completed the survey during last year’s Au Sable Forks rollout, thank you. You do not need to do it again!
  • Take it online now: You don’t have to wait for the mail. Visit the link below, enter “999” as your survey number, and provide your physical service address. Take the Survey Here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/9b3e9d5b60ac4724bfd2001f9c6d8bda

 

Hope you have a great weekend,

Matt