- By Dan Veaner
- News
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The Town of Lansing and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are getting close to an agreement to lease Salt Point to the Town. The 25 year renewable lease will allow the town to clean up the area and control access so residents can use the area safely. The agreement is a win-win situation for the Town and the State, according to Town Supervisor Steve Farkas. It allows the town to realize environmental and recreational goals that the DEC doesn't have the resources to achieve.
The land is North of Myers Park. Salmon Creek divides the two areas. A railroad bridge spans the creek on the Eastern part of the point. The area is sprinkled with litter, and has deteriorated over the years. Stolen goods have been found there. "A lot of flora and fauna is gone. It was destroyed," explained Mr. Farkas. "The Town will try to get grants to get that back."
The agreement will specify that the town will allow hunting and fishing access. Some unique species of birds nest there during certain times of year. The Town will make it "a quiet area," said Mr. Farkas in his office last week. "It will be a nature center, walking area, not just another town park."
Litter, dumped tires, beer cans and junk sprinkle the park lands
Much of the effort will be headed by a committee to be formed once the lease is signed. "It will be a community effort," said Mr. Farkas. The Highway Department will assist in cleaning and reclamation of the area. One possibility is to build a walking bridge between the land and Myers Park. There is also interest from the larger community, including Ithaca and Cornell to help restore the area.
Village of Lansing resident Sue Hertz (above) came to Salt Point to paint along with her friend Paula Davis.
The Town and DEC now have a working draft of the lease agreement. "We didn't get everything we wanted, but we got 80% and the rest isn't worth worrying about," said Mr. Farkas. Town Attorney Guy Krogh agreed, saying he would prefer a 50 year lease, but there is no reason to believe the lease as written wouldn't be renewed after 25 years.
Active railroad tracks line the Eastern edge of the area.
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