“In speaking to everyone, I think the reception was very good,” said Long Lake Supervisor Clark Seaman. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, it will pass the legislature this time around.”

In the 1840s, the state sold off what is now the hamlet of Raquette Lake, but claims it reacquired most of it later in the 19th century.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has long stated it had no intention of leveling the community. It instead wanted to find a solution to the legal snafu, officials have said.

But the state also wanted to be sure whatever deal finally moved forward would benefit the Forest Preserve.

Multiple deeds exist in some cases, while deed and title searches dead end in others in Township 40.

The shady paper trail has resulted in the courts sometimes siding with local residents who sued for title but backing the state’s contention in other instances.

Previous attempts to find a deal the state, green groups and local population could all accept have failed.

The legislation for the proposed constitutional amendment could see the floor of both the state Senate and Assembly before Albany enters the summer recess later this month, Sayward said.