The Geneva City Council will tackle a wide-ranging agenda Wednesday with discussions spanning the city’s 2027 budget, a proposed downtown redevelopment grant, several public hearing requests, and the possible sale of vacant city-owned land for a community-focused hobby farm.
The meeting begins with a 6 p.m. executive session to discuss litigation and collective bargaining matters before the public meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall. In addition to routine reports, proclamations and public comment, council members will receive a presentation from the Geneva Parks Collective and continue discussions surrounding next year’s budget planning.
Budget planning continues
One of the evening’s discussion items centers on 2027 budget revenue projections, continuing a process that has dominated recent council meetings.
Last month, council directed staff to develop a budget using a 0% property tax levy increase as its planning target, despite projections showing a sizable structural budget gap. Wednesday’s discussion represents the next step in identifying additional revenues before officials begin weighing potential efficiencies or service reductions later this summer. The budget process established by council calls for revenue discussions to precede any consideration of departmental cuts.
Downtown redevelopment grant up for approval
Council is expected to consider authorizing a New York Main Street grant application for redevelopment of 1 Railroad Place in downtown Geneva.
According to city officials, the proposal would renovate the building to include a professional office and a new apartment on the second floor while also completing exterior façade improvements. The project is intended to support downtown revitalization, expand housing opportunities and improve a prominent commercial property.
City staff note that no local tax dollars would be used for construction. The property owners would be responsible for all project costs beyond any grant funding received, while the city’s role would be limited to sponsoring and administering the application.
Public hearings proposed for multiple projects
Council will also consider scheduling several public hearings tied to future development and community investment projects.
One hearing would allow the city to move forward with 2026 Community Development Block Grant applications. Officials plan to pursue funding for public infrastructure improvements, including reducing costs associated with Geneva’s lead service line replacement project, demolishing Building C at the Geneva Enterprise Development Center and addressing additional public facility needs. The hearing would be scheduled for July 21.
Another resolution would schedule an Aug. 5 public hearing on the proposed sale of three vacant city-owned parcels on Maryland Street.
Hobby farm proposal for city-owned land
Among the more unusual agenda items is a proposal to sell three city-owned vacant lots on Maryland Street to Geneva resident Flint Hall for $4,000.
According to documents included in the council packet, Hall proposes transforming the property into a small hobby farm featuring a commercial greenhouse, gardens, native landscaping, workshop space, a free farm stand and, eventually, a small caretaker residence. The applicant also says the project would include cleanup of the currently vacant parcels, fencing, driveway improvements and ongoing maintenance.
City staff say the proposal was evaluated under the city’s property disposition policies, which consider neighborhood improvement, tax generation, operational savings and consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan. If ultimately approved after a public hearing, the sale would generate proceeds for the city, return the property to the tax rolls and eliminate future municipal maintenance responsibilities.
The proposal also outlines plans to donate produce to local food banks and nonprofit organizations while offering gardening workshops and operating a free produce stand for neighborhood residents. Conceptual drawings included with the agenda illustrate a greenhouse, growing areas, workshop buildings and future residential structure on the site.
Unsafe building hearing also scheduled
Council will also decide whether to schedule a public hearing concerning the deteriorating building at 555 South Exchange St.
City officials say the structure has been determined to be unsafe following inspections and that the property owner failed to submit an acceptable repair or demolition plan after receiving the required notice under city code. If the public hearing is scheduled, council could ultimately order the building repaired or demolished, with associated costs becoming a lien against the property if the owner fails to comply.
Other business
The meeting will also feature proclamations recognizing Parks & Recreation Month, Independence Day and Lake & Watershed Stewardship, along with a presentation from the Geneva Parks Collective.
Council is also scheduled to approve minutes from four previous meetings before adjourning.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.