LAKEWOOD - If you have wanted access to Chautauqua Avenue via the lake, your wish is coming true.
On Tuesday during a regular Lakewood Village Board meeting, village officials approved the $30,000 proposal to install a public dock.
David Wordelmann, Lakewood mayor, said the proposal would be to install a 128-foot long, two-wing dock, which would hold six to eight boats. The dock would be located east of the beach area at the park where there is a gap in a tree line. Wordelmann said no trees would be affected by setting up the dock. The mayor said it has been about 12 years since the last time village officials discussed the possibility. He said business owners along Chautauqua Avenue have been asking about it as a way to encourage more people to visit the community.
Article Photos
The approved dock will sit to the east of this public beach.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
''There has been a lot of talk and suggestion for it because we are a lakeside community,'' Wordelmann said. ''Being a lakeside community, I feel it is important to have access by the lake.''
Prior to the vote, a public discussion was held, with about eight people speaking on the subject. John Shedd, Lakewood resident, said about 12 years ago he was a member of a community group working to improve the village. He said one of the group's main concerns was Chautauqua Avenue. He said the group knew increasing traffic along the street would help improve the business district. He said one way to do this is a public dock.
''I think it will be a very nice asset to have this opportunity,'' Shedd said.
Bill Chandler, village resident, said when he is on the lake in his boat there aren't many places he knows he can stop to get something to drink or eat. He said one more public dock would be good for the lake.
One concern voiced about the dock was what if it leads Lakewood to becoming an area like Bemus Point, where there are alcohol related establishments and a stage for live music. Joseph Troche, Lakewood trustee, said that is not the intent for the public dock in Lakewood. He said the intent of the public dock is to hopefully attract people looking for a place to eat breakfast while out boating.