In preparation for warmer months, work continues at the Plattsburgh City Beach. The North bath house has been demolished and final clearance of the site has begun. The investigatory work being conducted throughout the beach property is ongoing and several studies, including an archaeological study, a subsurface environmental study of the former City dump, a wetlands delineation study, and a site survey, are largely complete. Geotechnical borings of the lakebed have also been completed but other borings throughout the property remain to be finished.
Conducted by Saratoga Associates, analysis of the results of these studies and the impact of those results on the implementation plan for beach improvements is ongoing. A final report of this analysis is expected from Saratoga Associates in January 2022.
Additionally, the City’s Department of Public Works has removed much of the overgrown brush and deadfall which over the past several years has encroached steadily upon the Heritage Trail that runs through the wooded area between the beach and Route 9. Trail marking has been completed in partnership with SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry students and the public is encouraged to go see the substantially improved view shed for themselves!
The City has applied via the 2021 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process for $500,000 in funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Water Quality Improvement Program to assist with riparian/beach improvements to reduce beach erosion, dune system expansion, platings, sand fencing and stormwater management improvements. The City also applied via the CFA for $500,000 in funding from the Environmental Protection Fund to assist with improvements to the beach’s vendor building, restrooms, sidewalks/trails and new piers. Funding will be awarded in mid-December.
