Published: May 15, 2008 08:56 pm            

YOUNGSTOWN: Docks project done

Dedication coming Saturday in Youngstown

The waterfront park project off Water Street in the Village of Youngstown is finally finished, three years and about $380,000 later.

“It’s quite attractive, a big improvement over what was there previously,” Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor Fred Stephens said. “We’re quite happy with the results and think it’s money well-spent.”

The project included a comprehensive overhaul of the park, including installing a new breakwall and 8-foot wide sidewalk close the water’s edge. There are also about 10 new benches, new lighting, a restroom building, a one-lane boat ramp and mooring facilities with electrical outlets for transient boaters. It’s been completely landscaped.

The only thing left to be done is install decorative sealed stone walls toward the end of summer, said Village Engineer Robert Gallucci.

“Everybody that’s seen it is just totally delighted,” Village Trustee David Gifford said. “Fishing boats are parked there all the time and in the evening when you do down there and the lights are on kids are fishing all there all the time. They didn’t do that before.”

The project was jump-started by a $190,000 state grant and the village matched those funds. There will be a dedication ceremony at 9:45 p.m. Saturday at the park, with local and state elected officials. Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Burroughs will also be on hand.

Construction of the project has been held up for a while for various reasons, including high water levels.

        

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