A $3 million renovation is complete at Wright’s Landing Marina in the city of Oswego. It’s part of a larger redevelopment of the city’s waterfront area along Lake Ontario.
Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow said since 2017, Wright’s Landing Marina has had to be totally or partially closed for four out of five years, because of flooding from the water management plan of Lake Ontario. The docks, parking lot and kayak launch were flooded and the city incurred more than $5 million of damage.
“So, we had a real problem on our hands,” Barlow said.
Funding for the marina improvements comes from New York state’s $300 million Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, for Lake Ontario shoreline communities damaged by flooding. Barlow said the state asked Oswego to not just repair the damage to the waterfront, but to make it better.
“Build it higher than it was before and add in some economic assets and public amenities, so that more people will come to your waterfront and your waterfront will be an economic tool and a real asset that the rest of the community can leverage,” Barlow said.
The boat launch, pavilion area, parking lot and access roads were raised by three feet. Bioretention basins collect rainwater.
“So, we don’t ever have to worry about flooding again,” Barlow said.
The marina now has fuel for boaters. The restrooms and showers have been upgraded. The docks resurfaced. There’s a new welcome center, fire-patio seating area and gift shop.
“We think that will help get more people here,” he added.
Barlow said he’s also excited about a $10 million renovation of the International Pier into a pedestrian boardwalk, expected to be completed next year.
