Medina picks Fisher Associates to design Canal Basin improvements
Rendering from Empire State Development and Governor’s Office: The Canal Basin parking lot along the Erie Canal will be turned into a “waterfront gateway” complete with green space, seating areas and boater/cyclist amenities as part of the NY Forward grant in Medina. This is not the final design for the parking lot. This is not the final design of the project.
MEDINA – The Village Board on Monday hired an engineering and design firm for a new look of Medina’s Canal Basin, a project that will better connect boaters and pedestrians to the basin, and improve the aesthetics of a space that is heavily asphalt.
Village officials last week interviewed six firms that submitted proposals for the project. On Monday, the Village Board hired Fisher Associates in Rochester.
Fisher called its proposal for the project, “Distinctly Medina: A Generational Vision for the Canal Basin.”
Fisher, in its presentation to the village, said the project will create “Medina’s definitive place on the Erie Canal for the next 20 years and beyond.”
The Village Board hired Fisher with the design services of the Canal Basin at $111,615 with an additional $17,955 for engineering and design work for electric car charging stations. It would be another $18,995 if a topographic survey is needed.
The Canal Basin parking lot will redesigned as part of a $1.345 million grant from the state. The new lot will have less asphalt and more green space. The parking lot will lose about 15-20 spaces. There will be about 70 spots remaining.
The project will add green space, seating areas and boater/cyclist amenities.
The redesigned basin was awarded $1.345 million of the $4.5 million from the state to Medina in the NY Forward grant. The state finalized eight projects for the $4.5 million on May 17, 2024. The transformed parking lot received the largest grant of the eight projects.
The village is looking to upgrade the entry drive from Main Street; enhance the pedestrian walkway extending from Main Street, across rear building facades, to East Center Street alleyway; add a gazebo for shade and cover; expand flexible greenspace areas for programming with amenities including seating tables, benches, bike racks, shade trees and native plantings; and add pedestrian walkways with decorative, permeable pavers.
The redesign of the basin parking lot also will include two direct-current fast chargers for electric vehicles, each with two charging spots. The state awarded Medina $245,184 in a separate grant for those chargers with National Grid also chipping in $73,000.
