Fate of Yaman Beach Renovations Looks Murky After Council Fails to Secure Bond

The fate of major renovations at Yaman Beach hangs in the balance following Tuesday’s Cortland Common Council meeting, where a crucial bond resolution failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority.

The proposed project includes the reconstruction of the bathhouse, the installation of an ADA-compliant beach access ramp, shoreline stabilization, and the addition of new shade structures. While a majority of the council supported the measure, the “no” votes from Councilmembers Brian Tobin and Tom Conlon, combined with the absence of Mary-Clare Pennello, left the bond short of the supermajority required for issuance.

The resolution sought to authorize a bond of $4,796,965 to cover the total cost of the project. However, the city would not have been responsible for the full amount.

Cortland was awarded a $3,837,500 NYSWIMS Grant via the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), which would reimburse the bulk of the costs. The remaining $959,465 was slated for long-term financing.

Mayor Steve noted that the city anticipated performing approximately $350,000 in “in-kind” demolition work, which would have further reduced the final cost to taxpayers.

Director of Finance and Administration Chuck Shager explained that while he requested the full $4.8 million for the bond, he did so as a safeguard because DASNY reimbursements can be slow. He estimated the actual long-term debt for the project would likely have settled around $750,000, costing the city roughly $60,000 annually over 15 years.

During the debate, Councilmember Tom Michales warned that rejecting the bond could mean losing the state grant entirely.

“This is an opportunity that doesn’t come that often,” Michales said. “To pass this up is certainly going to hurt the city as well as the park. Yaman Park is aging; it needs the work proposed in this grant.”

When Councilmember Conlon asked if the state would allow more time for the city to consider the financial impact, Michales was blunt: “[New York State] will just move on to some other city. They’re not going to wait to see how Cortland shapes out.”

Mayor Steve added that the project’s timeline is tight. Demolition was scheduled to begin this fall, with foundation work set for winter and final construction finishing in early Spring 2027.

Despite the high level of state support, some council members argued that any new debt is too much for a city already facing a deficit. Councilmember Katy Silliman highlighted the concerns of constituents who have voiced frustration over high taxes.

“They don’t want money taken out of their pockets anymore. We can’t raise taxes this much next year,” Silliman said, adding that while the bathhouses are old, she believes they remain “serviceable.”

Councilmember Tobin agreed, stating that while the project is “good,” the city’s 20% match remains a concern. “Until Mr. Shager has more time to work through the financials, I’d say it would be premature to approve taking on [this debt],” Tobin remarked.

The city is now facing a ticking clock. Shager informed the Council that the paperwork for the bond must be submitted by early April to secure the funds by May. He noted that the Council essentially has one week to reach a consensus, or the project will lack the necessary funding to move forward.

Shager concluded by noting that while the $60,000 annual payment would require “hard decisions” during budget season, he believes the improvements are a vital investment for a park that is a cornerstone of the community.