WEEDSPORT -- A section of the Erie Canal through Cayuga County is about to be redeveloped, but some neighbors say a large portion of the historic waterway is being overlooked.
Next week, the Cayuga County Legislature is expected to vote on a bill to turn over a four mile stretch of the Erie Canal between Weedsport and Port Byron to the Town of Brutus. Town Supervisor Jim Hotaling intends to improve the picturesque canal so that people can walk, bike or snowshoe the entire length between the two villages. Eventually Hotaling says the canal can be "re-watered" or filled with three to four feet of water for ice skaters, canoes and kayaks.
"My vision is to turn it into a recreation/tourism concept." Hotaling told CNY Central's Jim Kenyon.
But some people who live along the canal east of Weedsport say the eastern section of the canal has been overlooked. "It seems they forgot it." Max Appleby said as he pointed to the remnants of the canal near his home. The canal is overgrown, swampy and littered with tires and other debris.
Another neighbor, Kathy Lawler, says instead of reclaiming her portion of the Erie Canal, the Town of Brutus is concentrating its efforts on a section that has already been improved. "They neglect this area and it's wasteful spending." she said.
Supervisor Hotaling says he intends to looking into what the town can do to clean out debris and trash. Hotaling however feels eventually the canal east of Weedsport will also benefit from the improvements on the west side of the village. "You know, you get something moving, get people motivated, it kind of spreads." Hotaling said.
