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Neighbors and service provider clash over proposed 74‑unit project downtown
Summary
Public commentators at Geneva’s June 3 meeting urged planning boards and the IDA to pause on a proposed 74‑unit, five‑story development at the former Finger Lakes Times site, while Lakeview Health Services representatives defended the project as mixed-income housing with supportive services.
Public comment at the June 3 Geneva City Council meeting focused on a proposed Lakeview Health Services development at 218 Genesee Street, where opponents said a five‑story, 74‑unit building would overwhelm the downtown historic district and supporters said it addresses unmet housing and service needs.
Dave Langer, a resident who testified at the planning-board hearing, said the project’s five stories and 69‑foot height would be “oversized” next to historic neighbors and would concentrate people in need near existing social-service facilities. He said the planning board hearing drew an overflow crowd and that more than a dozen local stakeholders opposed the plan.
Cathy Lovejoy, speaking for Lakeview Health Services, described the proposal as a mixed‑use building with 74 units (including four two‑bedroom and 70 one‑bedroom units in the concept), an on‑site office, community room, laundry, outdoor patio, fitness space and an initial parking calculation for 26 spaces. Lovejoy said the concept estimated a $38 million development cost and projected roughly $50,000 per year in property tax revenue initially. She said the proposal would split the tenant mix roughly evenly — 37 units targeted to households at 50–80% of area median income and 37 units offering permanent supportive housing for individuals with a mental‑health diagnosis, and that staff would be on-site 24/7.
Opponents, including downtown business owners and tourism‑industry stakeholders, told council they believe the project conflicts with Geneva’s zoning and with long‑term downtown strategies. Wendy (last name not specified) and other speakers said the proposed project requires waivers and variances that indicate it does not fit the city’s new zoning and comprehensive plan; they criticized the small parking allocation and the visual impacts in the historic district. Langer urged transparency and fuller public presentation of impacts, and said the Industrial Development Agency will consider tax abatements and incentives related to the proposal at an upcoming meeting.
Cathy Lovejoy said Lakeview conducts tenant screening that includes income eligibility and criminal‑background checks, and that oversight from state agencies and investors would monitor building compliance. She said supportive‑housing residents are not necessarily “new” to the neighborhood but could be current area residents who benefit from improved amenities and services.
Council members did not vote on the project at the June 3 council meeting; public comment and planning‑board review are ongoing. The planning board scheduled another hearing for June 18; the Geneva IDA is listed to consider the city manager’s recommendation on July 6, according to public testimony.
