Important Information on the Town of Clayton
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Clayton, a town of just under 5,000 residents and 82.6 square miles, is located in the heart of the picturesque 1000 Islands and is know as both a cultural and recreational center. At the turn of the century, the 1000 Islands were the playground of the rich and Clayton earned a reputation as a community that could fulfill the needs of vacationers from all over the world.
Points of interest include power boating, sailing, swimming, fishing, water skiing, sightseeing, 3 museums, waterfront concerts, a Bluegrass Festival, seasonal theater in the turn of the century Opera House, 2 libraries, 2 golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, camping parks and boutiques. Two fireworks shows highlight the summer, while winter centers around Recreation Park Arena with ice skating and hockey, Christmas parade, ice fishing and a hot air balloon festival.
During the summer, Recreation Park Arena hosts many annual events from Decoy & Wildlife Show, the Antique Show, the Gun & Fireman's Show, to several craft shows, there's something different offered almost every weekend.
From the casual comfort of a cozy diner, to the elegance of a dining room where a hostess will serve you, Clayton has an eatery to fit every budget and taste. If you would prefer sitting outside, several restaurants have outside decks. You can even travel to many of our restaurants by boat and tie up at their dock. Most of our restaurants offer children's menus and prices that allow even large families to enjoy special nights out. No matter what your tastes in dining, you'll find it in Clayton.
Thousand Islands High School serves both Clayton and Cape Vincent and is highly regarded academically.
Clayton offers a wide variety of housing in both suburban and rural environments.
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Vital Information
Year Incorporated: 1833
County: Jefferson
Postal Zip: 13624
Population: (census 1990) 4,618
Land Area: 82.6 square miles
Government: Town meeting; five person Town Council
Elevation: Highest = 460 feet / At River = 245 feet
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Distances from
Albany - 243 miles
Watertown - 24 miles
Ogdensburg - 47 miles
Kingston, Ont. - 28 miles
Syracuse - 96 miles
Massena - 84 miles
Rochester - 186 miles
Nearest Airport: Watertown (24 miles)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Syracuse (96 miles)
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1995 Tax Rate (per thousand)
Town & County
Village $11.72
Town $11.72
Depauville $13.07
Heritage Hgts. $12.34 + $525
School
Thousand Islands $14.95
LaFargeville $12.259121
Village
$8.23
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Utilities
Electric Supplier: Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.
Cable TV: Time Warner (315) 493-3520
Telephone: Bell Atlantic
Media:
Thousand Island Sun
Watertown Daily Times
1997 Average assessed value of a residence: T.I. District $78,172.00
Post Office: John St. (315) 686-3311
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New Residents How-To Section
Residency:
There is no formal procedure for establishing legal residency in New York. Proof's generally accepted are a drivers license, sheriff I.D., or a voter registration card.
Registering to vote:
If you are a United States citizen, a New York resident, and you will be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you file (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote), live at your present address at least 30 days before an election, not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction, not claim the right to vote elsewhere, you may pick up a "New York State Voter Registration Form" from the Town Clubs office or visit your County Board of Elections at 175 Arsenal St., Watertown, NY.
Auto Registration:
New York residents are required to register their cars every year. Your Motor Vehicles department is located at the County Building, 175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY.
Inspection:
You must have your vehicle inspected with in 10 days after registering. Facilities that can inspect your vehicle display an official New York State Inspection Station sign.
Driver's License:
Information regarding Driver's Licenses may be obtained by calling 785-3023 or visiting Jefferson County Motor Vehicles at 175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY.
Fishing / Hunting License:
State licenses are required for all persons age 16 and over, to hunt or fish in any island waters. State licenses are required for Junior Hunting (12-15 years of age) & Junior Archery (14-15 years of age) as well. Licenses are issued by state authorized sporting shops as well as the Town Clerk's office located at 405 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY 13624. You will be required to attend a hunter safety course prior to obtaining you hunting license.
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