Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI)
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, then-Governor Cuomo created the Resiliency & Economic Development Initiative (REDI) to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region.
Five REDI regions, comprised of eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns.
Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million, to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
REDI Grindstone Island Boat Launch
The Town of Clayton was awarded $600,000 for the Grindstone Boat Launch. The Town of Clayton owns and maintains the Grindstone Boat Launch located on the southeastern shoreline of Grindstone Island on the St. Lawrence River. The boat launch is popular with residents and visitors of the Upper Town Landing area during the boating season, as well as hunters and seasonal island residents. The Town has made previous efforts to maintain the launch, but due to high water conditions experienced along the St. Lawrence River in 2019, the launch needed improvements.
The improvements at the Grindstone Boat Launch included:
• Raising the existing concrete bulkhead to an elevation of 249 feet;
• Dredging the end of the boat ramp to provide adequate depth for boat trailers during low water conditions;
• Installing new boat launch ramp to allow for launching under a range of water levels; and
• Installing sheet pile to protect concrete components from continued degradation.
REDI Shoreline
The Town was awarded $4 million in grant funding through the State’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative and once complete, will help mitigate the impact of future high-water events and improve resiliency of the shoreline in a popular tourist area.
The Town of Clayton Riverwalk and Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina are a vital part of Clayton’s waterfront economy and includes approximately 1,250 feet of St. Lawrence River shoreline. Repeated wind and wave action, coupled with high water levels experienced in the region, caused degradation of sections of the shoreline. Loss of soil has resulted in numerous sinkholes along the shoreline. The ensuing instability and damage are jeopardizing the public infrastructure.
To mitigate future shoreline deterioration and public safety concerns the project will repair and improve 480 feet of shoreline between Frink Park and the Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina providing protection for the Riverwalk as well as the Harbor Hotel. Work includes:
• Installation of sheet piles to minimize future erosion of the shoreline;
• Repair of the Riverwalk along the designated section of shoreline; and
• Installation of rain gardens to improve water quality.
Cerow Recreation Park Arena Renovation/Addition Project
News Release, May 17, 2021
RIBBON-CUTTING TO CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF CEROW RECREATION PARK ARENA RENOVATION/ADDITION PROJECT AND DEDICATION OF NEW WING TO LEONARD “OBIE” O’BRIEN
Clayton, New York –The Town of Clayton will be holding a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication event to celebrate the completion of the Cerow Recreation Park Addition and Renovation project. Construction began on the project in March 2020 and was substantially completed in March of this year.
The intent of the project was to preserve and expand upon the facility’s ability to serve as an economic engine drawing visitors to its many events throughout the year, but also to ensure the facility continues to serve as a recreational resource to the Clayton community and surrounding North Country region.
Included in the undertaking were two additions to the existing building footprint: a 2-story 11,865 square foot addition on the west side and a 1-story 7,175 square foot addition on the south side of the facility. The west side addition accommodates a new vestibule, locker rooms, public restrooms, stairwells, and an elevator to create handicapped access to the existing bleacher viewing area. The south addition is for Zamboni storage. Improvements were also made to the concession and warming room.
The Town of Clayton received funding for the project through USDA Rural Development. Additionally, the Town of Clayton was awarded grants from Empire State Development and the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
To commemorate the project’s completion, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 21st at 4pm at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena, 600 East Line Road, Clayton, NY.
Representatives of the Town of Clayton and other elected officials are expected to speak at the event. Additionally, Brian Murray, Acting State Director of USDA Rural Development NY will offer remarks.
Included with the ceremony is a dedication of the new wing to Leonard “Obie” O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien, who passed away in July 2020 after a long battle with cancer, was a beloved member of the Clayton Community who exemplified the true meaning of volunteerism and dedication. His tireless support and encouragement provided the opportunity for countless young people to participate in a variety of organized sports. Leonard’s coaching style was inclusive, participatory, and respectful. Albeit an important era of “Obie’s” coaching life occurred in this arena, his legacy has left a footprint on the entire community. “Obie” is survived by his son Toby O’Brien and wife Rhonda as well as his daughter Kerry E. Bearup and husband Kenny, who will be in attendance to represent the O’Brien family.
