Today I was pleased to join Irondequoit Town Supervisor Mary Joyce D'Aurizio and other town, business, and community leaders at historic Seabreeze Amusement Park to announce $250,000 in state capital funds for the completion of the Interstate 590 "Sea Breeze Drive" reconstruction project. The final phase includes expanded parking for cars, a special boat trailer entrance, and improved public access to the waterfront, each of which are vital to the economic resurgence of the Sea Breeze community.

Interstate 590 north of Titus Avenue, now called Sea Breeze Drive, has been reconstructed over the past year to create a safer, more residential thoroughfare leading to the commercial and residential corridor that includes Sea Breeze Amusement Park, marinas and famous "Hot Dog Row" restaurants.  The project had gone over-budget, jeopardizing these important amenities to the business, residents and visitors of the Sea Breeze neighborhood.

 

In addition to a new public parking lot at the north end of the parkway and a new boat launch entrance of Culver Road, this funding will also help explore a new, public park area and marina on the northwest corner of Irondequoit Bay.  A feasibility study for the marina began in 2009 and is on-going. It is important to note this funding was from a capital account appropriated in a previous state budget and has no implications with respect to the state's current budget crisis.

With the transformation of 590 into Sea Breeze Drive, we have established a first-class gateway to our waterfront and the businesses that serve so many people, especially in the summer months. Even in a difficult economy we must invest in our community, particularly in a location that gives local families great, affordable recreational options close to where they live.

 
In 2006, I helped initiate this project by authoring state legislation that enabled the road to be built. Today I am gratified to be able to help overcome the final hurdle on this project to help ensure the more prosperous, enjoyable Sea Breeze neighborhood we all want to see.

As someone whose family has called Irondequoit home for nearly five decades, I was proud to help make this project happen.

 

Here are some quotes from those who attended the announcement:

 

Town Supervisor Mary Joyce D'Aurizio said "This is a wonderful moment for our Irondequoit, particularly for those who live and work in and around Sea Breeze. This will restore vitality to one of our town's most historic sections and put new polish on one of the great gems of the entire Rochester region. We are also excited that this funding will be used to continue plans for a public marina and recreation area to enhance the waterfront access for residents and visitors. We're grateful to Assemblyman Morelle for his commitment to making this a reality."

Rob Norris, president of Seabreeze Amusement Park, said "The Sea Breeze Drive project has been wonderful for us and for the entire area.  As a landmark for this community since 1879, we couldn't be happier to see the latest transformation of Sea Breeze."

Fran and Francine Beth, operators of Marge's Lakeside Inn at 4909 Culver Road, said they are pleased that the project includes improved car and boat-trailer parking. They led a petition drive to ensure expanded parking facilities be included in the final project. "This is our 50th year in business, and we can't think of a better way to start the next 50. Parking has always been a problem for everyone in Sea Breeze. This will mean so much to those of us who make a living here, and to the customers who have always been so loyal."

Alayna Alderman of the Sea Breeze Neighborhood Association said "Thank you to everyone who helped make this project happen, and especially for the family-friendly amenities that will be built as a result of this funding.  The residents of Sea Breeze love living here and are pleased that safety and congestion will be addressed as much as possible"