Resident urges action on sludge, shrinking bays; county dredging study expected

During the preliminary budget public hearing, resident Nick Santino said he had “no criticism” of town spending but warned that West Port Bay is suffering from accumulating sludge and sediment that has reduced navigable area and interfered with boat access. He asked whether funds could be set aside to address the problem and whether incentives exist for new business investors.

Supervisor Dave Fantuzzo acknowledged the concern but told Santino the town budget contains no dedicated economic-development funds; he said county resources and neighboring entities may have programs. Fantuzzo and Councilmember Tiffany Smith described ongoing coordination with local groups (Port Bay Improvement Association, East Bay Improvement Association, Sodus Bay Improvement Association) and regional partners including the County, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania and Save Our Sodus (SOS). Fantuzzo said the county is part of a three-county study on dredging along the lake and bays, with results expected early next year, and invited Santino to join local efforts.