Common Council Approves Bond For Yaman Beach Improvements

In a notably more civil tone than recent meetings, Cortland’s Common Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the issuance of a bond to fund major improvements at Yaman Beach.

The decision followed a brief discussion between the Mayor and Councilmembers on how the city could cover the estimated $60,000 annual cost to repay the bond.

The City of Cortland was awarded a $3,837,500 NYSWIMS grant through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), which will reimburse the majority of the project’s cost. The remaining $959,465 had been slated for long-term financing, though that figure is expected to decrease. Planned “in-kind” demolition work could save the city an additional $350,000, further reducing the total borrowing amount.

Director of Finance and Administration Chuck Shager previously explained that he requested the full $4.8 million bond as a safeguard, noting that DASNY reimbursements can often be delayed. He estimated the city’s actual long-term debt would likely be closer to $750,000, resulting in annual payments of about $60,000 over 15 years.

Councilmembers floated several ideas to cover the yearly cost, including implementing park usage fees or charging residents for additional garbage and recycling bins. Councilmember Brian Tobin suggested the latter option could potentially generate enough revenue to offset the bond payments.

Despite the funding questions, Councilmembers agreed the project is a rare opportunity the city cannot afford to pass up, citing both the size of the grant and the long-overdue need for improvements at the park.

The Council said it remains open to exploring multiple options to fund the annual payments.

Andrea Piedigrossi, Director of the Cortland Youth Bureau and a key figure in securing the grant, said she hopes work on the project can begin during the off-season this fall.

The project will include reconstruction of the bathhouse, installation of an ADA-compliant beach access ramp, shoreline stabilization, and the addition of new shade structures.