Geneva city councilors stopped short of advancing a nearly $1.6 million proposal to build Idlewood Drive on Oct. 20, questioning whether the expense would produce enough housing to justify the investment.
Neighbors raised concerns about drainage, traffic and the cost to taxpayers, while councilors discussed alternatives for financing infrastructure on the undeveloped street. Mayor Jim Cecere concluded that the proposal needed a broader development plan and answers to outstanding questions before further consideration.
The operations meeting also included an update on Geneva schools, preparations for the cityās 2027 budget vote and unanimous approval to begin recruiting a deputy city clerk.
Idlewood proposal faces cost and drainage questions
The Idlewood discussion began with a property ownerās interest in building two houses on lots that lack road access.
Building and Zoning Superintendent Neal Braman said the owner initially proposed a driveway, but the location within a dedicated public right of way creates questions about ownership, maintenance and snow removal.
The undeveloped Idlewood right of way runs from Ridgewood Drive toward Ada Street. Delivering Word Church owns neighboring land where a separate development has been proposed.
A preliminary construction estimate totaled $1,589,850 for roadway and utility work, including excavation, paving, storm drainage, water infrastructure and street lighting.
Braman said the cityās local improvements provisions could allow costs to be paid by the city, assessed against benefiting properties or divided between them. Those possibilities remained exploratory.
Residents urged councilors to consider the neighborhoodās existing conditions before proceeding. One neighbor described saturated ground that prevented mowing part of a backyard until June and said previous tree clearing had worsened drainage. Other concerns included additional traffic near children playing, pedestrians and cyclists.
Former Mayor Steve Valentino supported expanding housing opportunities but opposed placing the proposed expense on city taxpayers. He urged Geneva to develop a broader infrastructure request for state and federal assistance covering Idlewood and other undeveloped streets.
Councilors discussed special assessments, developer-funded construction and the possibility of a more limited access arrangement.
Cecere said the city should understand how an investment of that size could support a larger housing strategy, rather than primarily opening access for two homes and a church.
Councilor Grimaldi argued that city resources would be better directed toward sites with clearer development potential. He said many nearby lots serve as residentsā backyards and were unlikely to become housing.
The discussion ended with the proposal set aside pending a more complete development case and answers to the councilās questions.
Schools report gains and construction progress
Geneva City School District Superintendent Bo Wright and district administrators reported that three of the districtās four schools are now in good standing with the state Education Department.
North Street School remains under an accountability designation. Wright said removing that designation is a goal for the next two years.
He reported a graduation rate of 87.4% and said the district is working toward exceeding 90%. Administrators also reported a nearly 60% reduction in suspensions over a three-year period, attributing progress in part to investments in student wellness and restorative practices.
The presentation highlighted the Early College High School program, which allows students to earn college credits while exploring careers. Wright said just over 40% of students in the freshman, sophomore and junior classes participate.
District officials said the latest school budget increased spending by just over 1% and reduced the school tax rate for city properties by nearly $2.30 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Construction updates included air conditioning at North Street School and remaining high school classrooms, a renovated high school culinary classroom, parking improvements and middle school infrastructure work.
At West Street School, a new vehicle loop is designed to hold approximately 60 cars, reducing pickup and drop-off congestion on surrounding streets. Gates will close the area to traffic during the school day so students can use it for play.
Councilors also raised concerns about construction traffic affecting South Optical Street. Wright said the district would address damage to neighboring properties and was willing to discuss what it could legally do regarding street repairs.
Councilor Kane proposed exploring student internships or apprenticeships with city departments. Wright welcomed further discussion.
Budget amendments due ahead of Oct. 26 vote
Cecere said council is scheduled to discuss and adopt the 2027 city budget Oct. 26. He requested proposed amendments by the end of Oct. 21 so staff could prepare for deliberations.
The mayor said amendments require five votes and asked councilors to distinguish among spending reallocations, spending reductions, increases and separate policy directives.
Councilor Lavin questioned how the upcoming budget would address an earlier council directive to hold the tax levy flat. He argued that any departure from that direction should receive an explicit vote.
Cecere said councilors could propose holding the levy flat and have staff explain the spending implications.
Deputy clerk recruitment approved
Council voted 8-0 to authorize posting and hiring for the deputy city clerk position.
Cecere said a part-time employee hired to help the clerk had resigned for personal reasons, leaving the office without that assistance. Staff confirmed that both the deputy clerk and part-time positions were included in the proposed budget.
Council also held public hearings on proposed water and sewer rate changes. No one spoke at either hearing.
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.
