CNY Waterways News from
across the Oswego River Basin
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05/23/2009 (last updated)
May 23, 2009
Court of Appeals permits Canandaigua Lake development's boat-docking plan
James Goodman
Staff writer
A recent ruling by the state's highest court is expected to end the legal fight over a contested development on the west
side of Canandaigua Lake.
But that might not be the last word if the issues raised by this lawsuit surface in other lakeside developments. An advisory committee is slated to make recommendations soon that could tighten the statute at the center of the
court battle.
By a 7-0 decision, the Court of Appeals upheld lower-court decisions that permit the docking of many more boats at the development's waterfront than conservationists say is warranted.
The ruling clears the way for RSM Development Co. to build a clubhouse and 68 upscale homes on 74 acres along West Lake Road in the town of Canandaigua.
All that is needed are final approvals from the town Planning Board along with a state docking permit. No timetable has
been announced.
But lake advocates, concerned about pollution caused by boating, were pleased with the part of the decision that, reversing lower-court rulings, held that the Canandaigua Lake Association and the Canandaigua Lake Watershed
Alliance have authority to bring such challenges. "We have lost the battle, but we won the war," said Sheldon Boyce, who represented the groups in the latest appeal.
Tom Walsh, who represented RSM, added: "They lived to fight another day."
Conservationists hope that the advisory committee, to be headed up by the Ontario County Planning Department, will recommend that other lake communities tighten the definition of "all other land uses" in the Canandaigua Lake
Uniform Docking and Mooring Law.
RSM successfully argued that the clubhouse area where the boats would dock should be considered under the "all other land uses" category of this law, which allows for docking many more boats than if the clubhouse were considered an extension of the residential development.
JGOODMAN@DemoceratandChronicle
March 14, 2009
Flooding is a natural threat that affects New Yorkers everywhere, from the south shore of Long Island and the Southern and Niagara Tiers to the Adirondack and Catskill regions. Over the last five years, nine flooding events threatened the safety of residents, caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and resulted in major federal disaster declarations. March 15-21 is Flood Awareness Week in the Empire State. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit SEMO’s Flood Awareness page for information they should know in order to be prepared for flooding.
February 08, 2009
CNY Waterways members Bob DiFlorio and Maureen Doyle have been appointed to sit on the State Canal Flood Task Force Citizen's Advisory Committee.
July 31, 2008
Invasive species eradication program in action. Onondaga County health Department has been working on a 5-year eradication program. We are now in year four. Between chemical treatments and mechanical harvesting specific sections along CNY Waterways are being treated. Check back in a few days for a list of areas treated this year.
Oneida Lake has a new State Park. Frenchman Island offers peaceful nature trails accessible only by boat. Read more here.
Frenchman Island - Oneida Lake
July 29, 2008
The CNY Waterways watch Blog is now on-line providing you a place to share your waterfront experiences, good and bad. You do have to register however it is free. All comments will be moderated to assure a friendly environment. We encourage you to email photos which will posted on an on-line slide show. The Blog is intended to be educational, interesting and fun. See what is happening across the Oswego River Basin. Visit CNY Waterways Blog here
July 29, 2008 -
President Bush signs Clean Boating Act of 2008 (click here for White House Press Release).
Thank you to everyone that participated in the effort to get this important legislation through Congress and signed by the President.
You can and did make a difference!
April 18, 2008:
Interesting reading:
Mythological analysis of boating tourism
Boat tourism trade buoyed by sales
April 07, 2008: Boaters, marinas and others across New York State sent a loud message to the NYS Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation and they listened! This should prove to those naysayers that we
can make a difference, if we try!
December 29th;
NEEDED;
Boat Show Helpers. CNY Waterways is fortunate to be a participant in the 2008 CNY Boat Show.
This show gives our mission lots of exposure. Our organization has had a booth at the show for several years and have found we do get to introduce many new people to our mission.
We do need helpers during the show. All you must do at the show is greet people and introduce them to CNY Waterways. There is always a seasoned member on site so even if you don't know much about what the problems are you can help. Three hour shifts help the most.
Show Dates & Hours; Wednesday - Sunday, February 13 - February 17, 2008. Wednesday-Friday 1pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. please contact Maureen @315.730.7498 or via email at mjdoyle@twcny.rr.com
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December 29th;
CNY Waterways Fundraiser
It takes lots of money to do what our organization accomplishes each year. Just paper and postage is alot. Please participate in this fundraiser to help raise some of the funds needed for 2008.
Take your bottle & can returns to Baldwinsville Bottle & Can Return, River Mall, Baldwinsville.
Tell the clerk to credit CNY Waterways. Our organization Treasurer picks up a check for the organization monthly.
Open 7-days weekly. Hours; M-Th 9am-7pm, Fri. 9am-2pm, Sun 10am-3pm.
NYS Canal Corporation News, Notices & Alerts
(Notice to mariners, Press Releases and more)
(General information)
Article about creation of the Oswego River Basin Commission
Canal Society of New York State