New Newcomb supervisor begins first term in office

NEWCOMB | New Town Supervisor Mary Lamphear, who was sworn into office on Jan. 5, is ready to hit the ground running. Successor to long-time supervisor Robin DeLoria, Lamphear is eager to do her part to help Newcomb thrive. Bringing all the town's assets together, as the Town's chief fiscal officer, Lamphear has taken up the task of being wise with resources and financially responsible with budgeting, all the while leading the charge with an open mind. "I care about Newcomb, and I want to make sure every person feels they can be heard," Lamphear expressed. "A big goal for me is communication- I really believe that is the main tool I need. Good communication builds trust, it helps get things done, and prevents problems. I have always said I want to focus on the 'what' and not the 'who.' If someone is suggesting something good for Newcomb that we can do, let's figure out how we can do it." Lamphear stepped into her new role after two years serving on the town board, and prior to that was on the Housing Committee and the Youth Commission. When DeLoria decided not to run for reelection this past cycle, and no other candidates were interested in seeking the position, Lamphear felt a moral obligation to step up to the plate. "Being on the board and having no one sitting on the supervisor seat, I was concerned," she admitted. "I care too much for Newcomb to sit on the sidelines. I see all Newcombe has to offer and all of the different individuals that volunteer their time, and I couldn't let it fall through the cracks." Named Deputy Supervisor this past April, Lamphear credited DeLoria for bringing her into a lot of discussions to help prepare her for the position she was seeking, mentoring her and assisting her in the journey of learning the day-to-day operations and activities of the office. Lamphear threw her name into the ring and ultimately would run for the office unopposed- but not uncommitted, a distinction she is quick to point out. A self-described team player and delegator who isn't ego-driven and also isn't afraid to learn as she goes, Lamphear is optimistic that under her reign, Newcomb will maintain its unique identity that blends small-town spirit with North Country charm. "Our people are our biggest strength, our residents are incredible," she noted. Though Newcomb is small by population standards (around 400), it is primely situated in the heart of the Adirondack Park, with some of the best views of the High Peaks and boasting southern access, Lamphear feels its geographic location is also an enormous asset. "Many times people say they don't want to become the next Lake George, and it is important to keep that mindfulness," she reflected. "We are 14 miles from Long Lake, which is totally different geographically. In the summer, they have a very large tourist population- Newcomb doesn't have that extreme. Some things that work in Long Lake won't work here, and vice versa." Lamphear also isn't blind to the affordable housing crisis that many Adirondack communities are facing, and will be looking to expand housing options. "The lack of housing is a problem, people want to live here but there is no place for them to live" she admitted. "What happens with that is your school population gets low, your ability to get volunteers for the fire department suffers, it's a ripple effect. I'd love to see a developer come in and consider building apartments, I think that would really help us here." Lamphear revealed the Town is currently working with Essex County Land Bank (ECLB) to address the situation and add more workforce housing for families, with the Town planning to turn land over to ECLB in 2026 to create four homes. "We have one pilot home cross mod, we should be closing on that in the next week or two," she added. In addition to tackling the housing crisis, the Town will also begin a major project to This year, the Town has one major project lined up, thanks to a grant given to the five towns of Newcomb, Long Lake, Indian Lake, Minerva, and North Hudson. "It is called the Newcomb Town Core Center Enhancement and Connectivity Grant," Lamphear explained. "Part of this will be focusing on our Overlook Park and burying the power lines that have been talked about since probably 2014 or a little bit earlier. Money would go there to improve the parking lot." Separate from the project, Lamphear said a new monument at Overlook Park that will showcase the mountains is also in the pipeline. "We want to have that in place for 2028, which is our bicentennial of Newcomb," she shared. "We are always looking at what other needs are." The Town has just come off the heels of building the Newcomb Community Center, which celebrated its grand opening last May. According to Lamphear, the center has done exactly what it was hoped and intended to, filling its role as a community hub full of activity and fostering a neighborly goodwill amongst its residents. "It is fabulous," Lamphear praised. "It is really helping our community touch base with one another, we are amazed and so happy at how it is being used." Lamphear said 2026 will also see the moving and extending of the Community Garden. "We want to do a birding trail along the Hudson River, we have the place, and we have the people interested in rolling up their sleeves and doing some work," Lamphear said. "Again, our biggest resource is our people." Lamphear encourages residents with issues who desire her counsel to call at 518-582-3211, Ext. 1007 to set up a time for an in-person chat. "I return every call," the supervisor assured. Newcomb Town Board meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. at the Newcomb Community Center. "I think having two meetings a month is really beneficial," Lamphear noted. "I think that is what helps Newcomb move and sometimes lead the way."

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New Newcomb supervisor begins first term in office

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