To the Editor:

The boards of directors of both the Helderberg Lake Community Association (HLCA) and its sister, not-for-profit organization, the Helderberg Lake Environmental Restoration Corporation (HLERC) thank the editorial staff of The Altamont Enterprise for publishing, “Will the Berne Town Board step up to help its residents and prevent a flood?” (Thursday, February 19, 2026).

We agree that the role of government is to serve its residents. And, we thank the paper for lending voice and support. 

As presidents of HLCA and HLERC, we recently met with the Berne town supervisor, Joseph Gielbelhaus, to exchange information about the status of the Helderberg Lake dam, potential ways of financing the needed dam repairs, and balancing the needs and interests of the overall town with those residents who own property with lake rights. 

Mr. Gielbelhaus contributed much to the conversation based on his many years of experience with creating tax districts in particular, and with town government financing overall.

We discussed working together with the entire town board to explore creating a dedicated Capital Improvement Tax District, paid for only by town property owners with access rights to Helderberg Lake that would sunset (end) as soon as the obligation is paid (or earlier if grant resources are won and applied). 

After years of discussions with town, Albany County, and New York state officials, our conversation with Mr. Gielbelhaus was balanced, informative, and refreshing. It left us, for perhaps the first time, knowing that a partnership is mutually desired and hopeful that a solution can be reached.

Mr. Gielbelhaus spoke candidly of how he views the entire town board as a team who is working together to solve the many difficult financial and other issues facing the town.

We are grateful that the new town supervisor and other town board members have stepped up to take on such challenging leadership roles. We are confident that they will fulfill their obligations to the residents of Berne and we are willing partners ready to work in earnest to do our part.  

Niels la Cour

President

Helderberg Lake

Community Association

Gail Hutchings

President

Helderberg Lake

Environmental Restoration Corp.