The early stages of construction have begun at the Mandolin Ridge Development, a planned 54-lot subdivision located near the intersection of Chautauqua-Stedman Road and Route 394 in the town of Chautauqua. Progress on the project was discussed by the Chautauqua Town Board this week. P-J photo by Jay Young

Construction of the Mandolin Ridge Development in the town of Chautauqua is well underway before the New Year.

The realty subdivision plans include 54 half-acre home lots as well as additional space for commercial use at the property, which is located near the intersection of Chautauqua-Stedman Road and Route 394.

The homes will be accessed by a new main entrance road located to the north of the former Mazza Winery and White Carrot Restaurant, which will run a continuous loop through the properties.

“They are moving dirt down there,” Chautauqua Town Supervisor Don Emhart said. “They have started, it is moving ahead currently. We are looking at a water district and a sewer district for them, which will probably be our last official acts for them.”

The town held a public hearing on the project in early March before approving construction for H & H Chautauqua Development LLC.

The engineering report for the development cites Mayshark Builders Inc. of Mayville as a developer and Leaf + Stone as a landscape architect.

The Chautauqua Town Board discussed progress of the development at a regular meeting this week, including future inspection of the new roadway with Highway Superintendent Dan Thorsell.

The town board may hire an outside consultant to inspect the newly constructed road.

Plans indicate that a federally regulated wetland in the center of the property, a historical farm pond, will be preserved as a 1-acre lot via “permanent conservation and stormwater management easement to protect and enhance this wetland pond.”

The Chautauqua Utility District and the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District are expected to service the new homes.