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Resident urges town to use eminent domain to secure Butterfield Lake shoreline for safety
Summary
Gary Rotaki told the Alexandria Town Board the shoreline near the Butterfield Lake gazebo has effectively become private and poses safety risks; he urged the town to consult an attorney and consider eminent domain to acquire about 150–200 feet for public use.
Gary Rotaki, a longtime Redwood resident, urged the Alexandria Town Board to seek town ownership of a stretch of Butterfield Lake shoreline near the gazebo to improve safety for children who swim there. "My name is Gary Rotaki, and I'm from Redwood," Rotaki said, recounting childhood swims and recent concerns while working at the boat launch. Rotaki told the board he consulted an attorney who recommended eminent domain as the most practical approach to secure "150 to 200 feet of that shoreline."
Rotaki said much of the lakefront has been bought into private ownership and described situations where children jumping from docks nearly could not return. He estimated a potential cost to the town "whatever $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 for that piece of shoreline," and asked the town attorney to consult with his contact in the Finger Lakes. The supervisor acknowledged the request and said any action would involve the town attorney. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; Rotaki said he would provide the lawyer's contact information to the town for follow-up.
