Seneca Falls moved several major infrastructure and community development projects forward during its Town Board meeting Tuesday night, including more than $5.2 million in contracts for the Kingdom Road sewer project, engineering for a new Walnut Street storm sewer and preparations for a proposed $16.5 million drinking water upgrade.
The board also cleared an environmental review for new lighting on the It’s a Wonderful Life Bridge, authorized several state grant applications, hired employees for the town’s water and sewer operations and heard updates on downtown investment, zoning reform and a proposed hotel.
Kingdom Road sewer work moves toward construction
The board awarded two contracts for the Kingdom Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project following a public hearing and a rebidding process prompted by rising construction costs.
Blue Heron Construction Co. LLC received the general construction contract for approximately $5.1 million, while Concord Electric Corp. received the electrical contract for $109,000.
Town officials said the project had been designed and bid about six months earlier, but costs forced the town to seek new proposals. Contractors are now expected to begin work, with completion anticipated by the end of the year or January.
The board also approved an amendment to its agreement with Barton & Loguidice for additional engineering services during the extended construction period.
The larger sewer improvement has an estimated maximum cost of $6.5 million and includes construction of a new force main, related equipment, site work, paving and restoration.
The town amended and restated its earlier borrowing authorization so it can pursue state and federal funding, including assistance through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the state Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.
The supervisor was authorized to submit grant applications and use in-kind services to satisfy any required local match.
Town begins design of Walnut Street storm sewer
The board selected LaBella Associates for engineering and design work on a proposed 36-inch storm sewer beneath Walnut Street.
The $129,900 contract includes surveying, design, environmental review and a geotechnical investigation of soil, groundwater and bedrock conditions.
Town officials said the underground line is needed to address recurring flooding on Chestnut, Oak and Miller streets. The new infrastructure would collect stormwater from streets east and west of Walnut Street and carry it toward the canal.
The project would extend a 36-inch storm sewer already installed between the canal and Miller Street, along with drainage work completed behind homes on the south side of Miller Street in 2025.
LaBella’s proposal was not the lowest initial price. C&S Companies submitted a proposal for $114,542, while MRB Group proposed $144,900.
Town officials recommended LaBella because its base proposal included a $40,000 geotechnical analysis that the other firms excluded and would have charged for separately. LaBella also demonstrated experience with the deep jack-and-bore installation expected for the project.
Engineering is expected to continue through the remainder of 2026, allowing the town to seek construction bids in early 2027.
The board separately authorized contractor bidding for the Bayard Street culvert rehabilitation project, with bids due Sept. 2. The precast concrete culvert materials are being bid separately because of long manufacturing lead times.
$16.5 million water project targets PFAS, aging mains
Seneca Falls scheduled a public hearing as part of another attempt to obtain state funding for a proposed $16.5 million water system improvement project.
The project would install granular activated carbon treatment equipment at the water plant to improve the removal of PFAS chemicals and dissolved organic carbon.
Plans also include a new 200,000-gallon clear well to improve pumping capacity and the replacement of aging water mains along East Bayard Street, West Bayard Street and Cortland Avenue.
Officials said the improvements are intended to prepare the system for future drinking water standards while strengthening reliability and fire protection.
The town has unsuccessfully pursued funding for the project twice. The board authorized another Water Infrastructure Improvement Act application and acknowledged that Seneca Falls could be responsible for at least 30% of eligible project costs through cash, financing or in-kind services.
Board members discussed holding the required public hearing later in July and stressed that enough members must attend to meet the supermajority requirement.
Bridge lighting clears environmental review
The board determined that new decorative lighting on the It’s a Wonderful Life Bridge would not create significant adverse environmental effects.
The planned work includes replacing the existing electrical panel, installing an aerial electrical supply and replacing the current decorative lighting with LED strips and uplighting along the bridge’s structural members and railings.
Navigation and channel lighting would remain in place, and the project would not involve excavation, work in Van Cleef Lake or other ground disturbance.
The board designated itself lead agency for the environmental review and issued a negative declaration, allowing the project to proceed without a more extensive environmental impact statement.
The lighting project is being supported in part through New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Board members also discussed whether decorative bells removed during the bridge painting project could be reinstalled. One possibility would suspend the bells from a wire above the structure so they would not contact the new paint.
Town officials said they would consult with the bridge painters before approving any attachment method.
Zoning overhaul could cost up to $200,000
The board authorized an application to New York’s Smart Growth Communities Planning Program for a comprehensive update of the town’s zoning regulations.
The project would examine whether the zoning code aligns with the Seneca Falls 2040 Comprehensive Plan, current housing needs, downtown and waterfront revitalization goals and long-term growth patterns.
The initiative could cost as much as $200,000. The grant would reimburse 85% of eligible expenses, leaving the town responsible for a 15% match.
Seneca Falls would have to pay project costs upfront and wait for reimbursement, which could take between 12 and 18 months.
The Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee would work with town staff and other local boards on the project.
Lisa Fitzgerald, representing the committee, said the zoning review would involve the Housing Committee, Zoning Board and county planning officials.
She also reported that the implementation committee held its first public open house in April and visited Fairport to learn how that community has advanced its comprehensive plan.
Downtown investments include hotel search, murals
Judy Wentzell, executive director of the Bonifiglia Family Foundation, said the organization has invested about $1 million in charities, community initiatives and development projects since it was created in December 2021.
One of its largest efforts has been the Downtown Facade Storefront Revitalization Program, a partnership with the Seneca Falls Development Corp.
The program offered grants covering as much as 75% of eligible project expenses, up to $150,000. Eight projects were funded, generating nearly $800,000 in combined foundation support and private investment.
Wentzell also announced that the foundation is seeking a hospitality company to construct and operate a hotel on a 2.5-acre downtown parcel it owns.
The foundation is willing to sell the property for $1 to a qualified developer that follows the community’s vision. It is also paying predevelopment costs in an effort to make the project more attractive.
The board authorized up to $3,500 for plaques identifying artists, sponsors and historical context associated with two recently completed downtown murals.
A third mural, produced through the Bonafiglia Family Foundation, was completed last week at 118 Fall St., across from the Wesleyan Chapel.
David Goldberg and Alyssa Davidson also updated the board on their renovation of the building housing It’s A Wonderful Scoop at 77 Fall St.
Goldberg said the structure dates to 1862 and sat vacant for about a decade before the project. The rehabilitation included new floors and electrical systems, removal of old restaurant equipment and the restoration of historic decorative elements.
The business has created 12 jobs and plans to operate throughout the year.
Town pursues branding, bicycle and climate grants
The board authorized the Seneca Falls Development Corp. to seek a Market New York grant for a community branding and marketing initiative.
The proposed project would cost no more than $120,000 and could receive a 50% state reimbursement. The town would have to advance the full cost and could wait 18 to 24 months for repayment.
Officials said 34 firms responded to a request for proposals seeking a consistent strategy for promoting Seneca Falls as a year-round destination.
The board also supported two Climate Smart Communities grant applications.
One would assess the town’s stormwater system and identify flood mitigation needs. The other would support a townwide bicycle and pedestrian transportation plan.
Both applications require a local match of at least 20%.
The bicycle and pedestrian study would identify gaps in sidewalks, trails, crossings and bicycle facilities while examining access to schools, parks, employers, commercial districts and public buildings.
The town will also solicit firms to provide grant administration services if funding is awarded.
Residents raise water bill, condemned property concerns
During public comment, resident Reggie Meeks asked the board to address a long-running dispute involving water bills he said have reached $400 to $500.
Meeks said he believes a defective meter caused the problem and requested a meeting with the board’s water committee. Supervisor Frank Schmitter agreed to coordinate a meeting.
Debbie Swenson asked the board to intervene at a condemned property at 98 Cayuga St., which she said has remained deteriorated and overgrown for nearly seven years.
Swenson said the property has attracted rodents and other animals and questioned why the process appeared to restart each time the town changed code enforcement personnel.
Schmitter said he would contact county officials and provide an answer. The discussion revealed uncertainty over whether the town or county has authority to order demolition, even though a town condemnation notice had been posted at the property.
Staffing and other action
The board appointed Joann Bennett as dog control officer after the Beverly Animal Shelter stopped providing that service.
Bennett will receive $680 per month, plus $25 per dog for boarding. The town will separately cover euthanasia costs when necessary.
Officials said Bennett will use a temporary holding arrangement until the Beverly shelter is expected to reopen around Sept. 1.
The board also made several water, sewer and public works appointments.
Austin Hartzell was promoted from laborer to motor equipment operator-heavy at $29.46 per hour after obtaining a Class A commercial driver’s license.
Phillip Bennett was appointed water plant operator trainee at $28.23 per hour. Anthony Lanphear was appointed water and sewer maintainer at $27.02 per hour, and Joshua Polk received a provisional appointment as wastewater plant operator trainee at $28.23 per hour.
The board approved $4,000 for hazardous tree removal at Academy Square and Lower Lake Road Park and transferred $26,000 within the zoning budget to cover part-time zoning personnel costs.
It also conditionally approved purchasing a replacement mower deck from LandPro for approximately $8,951 if the company provides a loaner mower during delivery. Without a loaner, the town will purchase the lower-priced option of approximately $6,991.
Convention Days, scheduled for July 17 through 19, received approval with a requirement that alcohol vendors provide proof of liability insurance.
The board also approved resolutions honoring Joyce and Vito Sinicropi, Gloria Thornton-Peek, Mary Masciangelo and Helen Miller for their community service and contributions to Seneca Falls and the women’s rights movement.
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