Penn Yan projects look toward construction

Penn Yan projects look toward construction

PENN YAN--While some of the smaller state-funded Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects totaling $10 million have already been completed in Penn Yan, the major projects that village officials hope will further encourage tourism and downtown expansion are entering their final preparation stages before construction begins. The timeline is a result of a combination of delays caused by complex permitting processes along with the global pandemic according to Penn Yan Mayor Leigh MacKerchar. Then Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul presented Penn Yan with the ceremonial ten million dollar check in October of 2018.
"The timeline right now is that the permitting will be done this year, we are hoping to be done by April to get everything in place with construction ready for early 2023," said MacKerchar.
MacKerchar said there are three DRI projects the village is directly involved in that he hopes will help Penn Yan evolve economically and physically.
"I think it's really going to tie downtown with the lake... This is not just an aesthetic enhancement but will enhance utilization as well, with the hope it will drive up traffic numbers," MacKerchar stated.
With more traffic, more money will be spent at local businesses which will also increase sales tax revenue.
One of the plans includes the construction of new docks at Lake Street Park and highlights the efforts to enhance the village's connection to the lake. However, at a recent planning board meeting, there was concern expressed over the environmental impact that the new docks could create.
"We are going to try to be as unobtrusive as possible so (the natural habitat) remains observable," said MacKerchar.
Such environmental concerns are a reason why many of the projects associated with the parks and expanding trail systems will require additional state Department of Environmental Conservation permitting before construction can begin.
Along with expanded docking options, the DRI projects will enhance the interconnected trails throughout the village designed to open access to underutilized village-owned land.
"We are going to triple the size of Indian Pines Park and create an overlook," MacKerchar added. "Little League Park will be the head of the outlet of the trail, which will bring it down behind the ball field where there is underutilized land."
The mayor explained at the January village board meeting that adjusting the overlooks from being over the water to being on land could also assist in the permitting and budget phase.
MacKerchar added that the major private DRI projects in Penn Yan are also still in the process of getting off the ground.
"The Sampson Theatre is working on getting their project started," the mayor said. "Milly's Pantry is reassessing the elevator issue there. Struble's Arcade is still in the process as well."
When initially announced, the Sampson Theatre was approved for $1,000,000 in DRI funding, Struble's was authorized for $1,485,000, and Milly's for $521,200.
"Just because the physical work hasn't started yet doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get everything ready... We have been going through a permitting process for many of these projects that has been slightly more complex (than other DRI projects around the state)," added MacKerchar.
Already open, and billed the first completed DRI project, was Blue Heron Bakery on Water Street in Penn Yan. The Laurentide Inn and Beer Co. revitalization marks another success in the expansion of the village partially backed by state funding.