NYC Gazette

Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today, joining Assemblymember Billy Jones at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid. The visit included tours of the USA Rink, Herb Brooks Arena, Mount Van Hoevenberg, and the Olympic Museum. They discussed future plans for the region and announced $250,000 to help the Lake Placid Food Pantry and Thrift Shop build a new facility.

“While we’re just weeks away from cheering on Team USA at the Summer Olympics, it’s important to remember the part New York played in Olympics’ history,” said Speaker Heastie. “Assemblymember Jones and the Lake Placid community has done an incredible job of honoring their historic past while building up the possibility of continuing that legacy in the near future.”

“I want to thank Speaker Heastie for joining me today to tour the Olympic Center and see the work we’ve done to transform the site and introduce the next generation to Lake Placid. Our efforts have led to expanded tourism and a significant boost to the economy through our hosting of championships, tournaments, and the 2023 World University Games,” said Assemblymember Jones. “I’m also honored to announce the funds we’re providing to the Lake Placid Food Pantry so they can expand their critical support of our families in their time of need.”

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Jones visited several key locations within the Olympic Center, including touring where the “Miracle on Ice” game was played during the 1980 Winter Olympics. They met with community members and elected officials to discuss how transforming these facilities has impacted the region and considered possibilities for hosting future Winter Olympics.

Following their tour, they announced $250,000 in capital funding aimed at supporting a new facility for the Lake Placid Food Pantry and Thrift Shop. Operated by the Lake Placid Ecumenical Council, this food pantry serves meals to 70 families weekly and provides essential items such as warm clothes, boots, and baby supplies through its thrift store. The allocated funds will be used for constructing a new facility within the Lake Placid Central School District.

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