Lakefront improvements begin

The next chapter for Phase I of the Access Improvements for Seneca Lake is underway, as construction crews from LG Evans are now carrying out the design plans for the Lakefront Park pedestrian and shoreline improvements along the Seneca Lake waterfront, from north of Castle Creek to south of the existing sea wall. “The project implementation of Phase I will enhance the uniquely urban experience of Geneva even more, and will be beneficial and enjoyable to both residents and visitors of the City,” said Sage Gerling, Director of the City of Geneva Office of Neighborhood Initiatives. Construction is estimated to be completed in September, and is moving along smoothly. In order to assist pedestrians, there are construction signs to help guide visitors through the detours, as the Lakeshore Path from the end of East Castle Street to the boat launch will be closed during the renovation process. In order to increase public engagement along the waterfront, several improvements established during the design phase will be implemented. New shoreline amenities including a multi-purpose deck and stone stepped seating down to the water’s edge will be added. Renovations will be completed to two jetties permitting safe access for pedestrians and multiple paths will accommodate a variety of pedestrian activity. Phase I improvements also include providing erosion protection and safe transition from the multi-use path to the water’s edge. The Lakefront Access Improvement Project will enhance community character, protect environmental resources, maximize public access and recreational opportunities to the shoreline and protect and improve the visual quality of the waterfront. The design team for this Phase consisted of Fisher Associates, with project partners FES Associates, along with Bayer Landscape Architecture, who will also be designing Phase II of the project. A public input session is anticipated in July. Construction for Phase II will potentially begin in the spring of 2015. The project is based on the 2010 Waterfront Infrastructure Feasibility Study done by Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. (PB) and its project partners Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, LLP (TWMLA). Phase I and Phase II are being funded by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund and the City of Geneva.