Watkins asks for bids on DRI projects

WATKINS GLEN--Watkins Glen is accepting bids for two projects included in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI): LaFayette Park improvements and the Village Gateways Project.
The project at LaFayette Park aims to improve the existing public park that lies in the designated DRI area. Elements expected to be included are a new fountain and clock to be located on the eastern and western sides of the park, respectively, as well as additional lighting. The DRI would build on these installations and fund additional improvements to the park that will maintain the open space at the eastern side of the park for open play and pickup sports; install a permanent public restroom; improve signage/wayfinding for the Catharine Valley Trail and Finger Lakes Trail; replace park signage; improve the play area with better safety surfacing and new playground equipment; replace lighting in the park with fixtures that are consistent with the new lighting that was installed on Franklin Street; retain existing, healthy trees; install a sidewalk along Porter Street and 5th Street to ensure sidewalk access along the Park's perimeter; resurface the area along the 5th Street with shade-resistant material to address drainage issues; and replace the bandstand roof.
According to a document housed on New York state's website (www.ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/WatkinsGlen_DRI.pdf), this project "received strong public support throughout the process and received one of the highest approval ratings of all projects ranked by the community in the online survey," with 83 percent of survey respondents indicating they either "somewhat approved" or "approved" of this project.
The second project that was put out to bid will help people find their way through the village and create a cohesive look and feel. Gateway structures are proposed at four points, including one at the north entrance near Captain Bill's, one at the eastern entrance near Clute Memorial Park, one at the intersection of 414 South and Franklin Street (replacing the sign painted on the concrete wall), and another at the southern entrance near Fairgrounds Lane.
According to the state document, "The wayfinding project would locate and install a multifaceted suite of wayfinding components to direct people to municipal parking; shopping areas; and open spaces. Signage for major attractions such as the State Park, Seneca Lake, the Catharine Valley Trail, the lakefront, and the historic district would include directional arrows as well as informational text."
Bids have been requested by Feb. 2.