Sarah Martinez remembers the muddy mess that flooded her Geneva backyard every spring. The rushing creek waters would carry sediment and debris straight down from the hillsides, turning her once-pristine garden into a swamp. She’d watch helplessly as runoff carried fertilizers and soil into Seneca Lake, knowing this scene played out across countless properties throughout the Finger Lakes region.
Now, Sarah and her neighbors have reason to hope. The Town of Geneva just made a game-changing move that could transform how the community handles water runoff and erosion.
Geneva officials recently purchased 75 acres at Kashong Glen, marking a significant step forward in protecting both local properties and the pristine waters of Seneca Lake. This isn’t just another land deal – it’s a strategic investment in the community’s environmental future.
Why Geneva Made This Smart Investment
The Kashong Glen acquisition represents more than just adding green space to Geneva’s portfolio. Town leaders recognized that controlling erosion and managing stormwater runoff required a proactive approach, not just reactive repairs after each storm season.
Supervisor Mark Venuti explained the town’s vision clearly: “We’re focusing on stabilizing creek banks and filtering stormwater to cut sediment and nutrient runoff.” This forward-thinking strategy addresses problems at their source rather than dealing with costly cleanup efforts downstream.
The timing couldn’t be better. Climate change has brought more intense storms and unpredictable weather patterns to the Finger Lakes region. Traditional infrastructure struggles to handle these new challenges, making natural solutions like the Kashong Glen project increasingly valuable.
The Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District plans to launch a stabilization project this year along Route 14, perfectly complementing Geneva’s new land acquisition. This coordination between local and county agencies shows how environmental protection works best when everyone pulls in the same direction.
Breaking Down the Deal: Money, Partners, and Timeline
Let’s look at how Geneva made this 75-acre purchase happen without breaking the municipal budget:
| Funding Source | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Town Contribution | $59,000 | Direct purchase funds |
| Fund Balance Transfer | $60,000 | Additional project support |
| Finger Lakes Trust | Undisclosed amount | Grant funding assistance |
The financial partnership with Finger Lakes Trust proved crucial in making this deal possible. Without external grant funding, Geneva would have struggled to justify spending over $119,000 of taxpayer money on undeveloped land, no matter how beneficial the environmental impact.
Key project components include:
- Creek bank stabilization to prevent erosion
- Natural stormwater filtering systems
- Sediment and nutrient runoff reduction
- Long-term lake water quality protection
- Habitat preservation for local wildlife
“This investment will pay dividends for decades,” noted a local environmental consultant familiar with the project. “Natural erosion control systems last longer and cost less to maintain than concrete solutions.”
The Route 14 stabilization project adds another layer of protection. When completed, this corridor will serve as a model for how communities can blend infrastructure improvements with environmental stewardship.
What This Means for Geneva Residents
The Kashong Glen purchase affects different groups in various ways, but the overall impact should be positive for most residents.
Homeowners near creek systems will likely see reduced flooding and property damage during heavy rainfall events. The natural filtration systems will intercept runoff before it reaches residential areas, potentially saving thousands of dollars in annual cleanup and repair costs.
Property values throughout Geneva could benefit from improved water quality and flood protection. Real estate agents often point to environmental amenities as selling points, and buyers increasingly prioritize climate resilience when choosing where to live.
Recreational users of Seneca Lake will enjoy cleaner water with less algae growth and sediment. The improved water quality supports fishing, boating, and swimming activities that drive Geneva’s tourism economy.
However, the project does come with some trade-offs. Geneva leaders also scheduled a March 10 hearing on overriding the tax levy limit, suggesting residents might see higher property taxes to fund ongoing environmental initiatives.
“We understand that environmental protection costs money upfront,” Supervisor Venuti acknowledged. “But the alternative – dealing with flood damage and lake contamination year after year – costs much more in the long run.”
The town also backed plans for the Geneva Greenway trail, connected to a potential $2.5 million state grant. This multi-faceted approach shows how Geneva is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable community development.
Local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and recreation sectors, stand to benefit from cleaner water and better outdoor amenities. The Finger Lakes region’s reputation depends heavily on maintaining its natural beauty and environmental quality.
Environmental advocates see the Kashong Glen purchase as a model for other Finger Lakes communities. “Geneva is showing how local governments can take meaningful action on water quality,” said a regional conservation leader. “Other towns are watching this project closely.”
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
The 75-acre Kashong Glen purchase represents just the beginning of Geneva’s environmental improvement strategy. Town officials are already planning the next phases of creek stabilization and stormwater management.
Construction on the Route 14 stabilization project should begin this year, giving residents a chance to see these natural systems in action. The Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District will oversee the technical aspects, ensuring the work meets professional standards.
The Geneva Greenway trail project could provide additional recreational opportunities while supporting the area’s ecological health. If the $2.5 million state grant comes through, residents will have new ways to enjoy and appreciate their community’s natural resources.
Monitoring systems will track the project’s effectiveness in reducing runoff and improving water quality. This data will help refine future environmental initiatives and demonstrate the value of natural infrastructure solutions.
FAQs
How much did Geneva pay for the 75 acres at Kashong Glen?
The town contributed about $59,000 directly and shifted $60,000 from its fund balance, with additional support from Finger Lakes Trust grant funding.
When will the creek stabilization work begin?
The Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District plans to start the stabilization project along Route 14 sometime this year.
Will property taxes increase because of this purchase?
Geneva scheduled a March 10 hearing on overriding the tax levy limit, which could result in higher property taxes to fund ongoing environmental initiatives.
What exactly is Kashong Glen?
Kashong Glen is a 75-acre natural area that Geneva purchased to implement creek bank stabilization and stormwater filtering systems that protect Seneca Lake.
How will this help prevent flooding in Geneva?
The natural systems will stabilize creek banks and filter stormwater, reducing sediment and nutrient runoff that contributes to flooding and water quality problems.
Is this project connected to the Geneva Greenway trail?
Yes, town leaders backed the Geneva Greenway trail plans in connection with a potential $2.5 million state grant, creating a comprehensive approach to environmental and recreational improvements.
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