City of Geneva sells land along 5&20 to New York State

Geneva City Council approved the sale of a 7.25-acre parcel of city-owned land off Routes 5&20 to the state last week after a parks official assured members there are no plans to develop the property.

At its Dec. 4 meeting Council agreed to sell the property at the northeast side of the entrance to Seneca Lake State Park for $181,400.

“We have been very interested in this property for decades,” said Fred Bonn, Finger Lakes regional director of the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

He reiterated the state has no interest in developing the parcel. The goal, he said, is to improve the park’s entrance and enhance the natural elements of the property, including a small wetland.

Three years ago, Council created an uproar when it approved the sale of the land to a developer that wanted to build seasonal rentals on it. The resolution approving the sale subsequently was rescinded because the city’s attorneys said it did not adequately spell out terms of the sale. On a second vote and with public opposition mounting, Council voted it down.