West Barrier Bar Project
as written for the Wayuga News Papers 2002 by Miranda Whitman
West Barrier bar is due for a make-over and the Cayuga County Legislature has set up a small budget of $8,900 to do just that according to the Cayuga County Legislature webpage. For many years the Legislature has simply ignored the problems surrounding the West Side in the summer season. Many of the natives know that when the hot weather comes so does the noise and commotion down at the Lake. As stated by the webpage, "the Legislature did set up a committee to study the situation at the West Barrier Bar which has tried to determine a plan that would result in control of the area at the least possible cost to taxpayers." According to the mayor of Fair Haven, Loren Geer, they want to create a "safe haven" for local residents of the community. A few steps have already been taken to achieve this goal.
Gates have been strategically placed at the entrance to the Park. These gates are expected to be locked at night during the summer season and opened September 1st through the winter. This will allow for control of the area at night during the summer as well as access in the winter by school buses and snow plows. Further inside the park, gates have been placed just past the boat launch and parking area. They are coupled with a row of boulders spanning the peninsula and blocking entrance by vehicle any further onto the beach area. Those gates are expected to be locked at all times. At this time none of the gates are locked and are not going to be locked until next season.
Currently, RG&E is cutting brush and trees to read the area for expansive lighting and bids are out for installation of the proper informative signage. Mr. Geer has noted that with the increased police presence in the area this season the disruption has seemed to decrease. Entry will remain free since the goal is to provide a clean, quiet place to enjoy your free time in Fair Haven.