Watkins seeks plans for lakefront

WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen village is seeking proposals to develop 2.34 acres of village owned land at the south end of Seneca Lake.
The village planning board discussed the project during the Wednesday, May 21, planning board meeting.  Mayor Mark Swinnerton explained the village has requested proposals from 12 developers for ideas of how to develop the western part of Lakeside Park.  He added the 2.34 acres is directly across the channel from Cargill.  The area is currently open land near the skate park.
Code Enforcement Officer Greg Larnard said all of the developers being solicited for proposals have worked in Watkins Glen previously, but would not say who they are.  He explained the tentative plan is to review the proposals at the July planning board meeting.
Swinnerton explained the village wants to long-term lease the land to whichever developer is selected.  He said the village believes the property is “something that belongs to the community.”
He added, “we’re not sure what we’ll get,” but said the village has talked about turning the land into a restaurant.  Swinnerton explained something like a destination restaurant would work because the location is right where people driving from one side of the lake to the other intersect in Watkins Glen.  He added the approved proposal will also have to be in line with the comprehensive plan.