Developer donates 22 acres of sandy shore to Fort Erie near Waverly Beach
Published August 29, 2023 at 10:20 am
A donation from a developer to Fort Erie has seen a 22-acre parcel of land, that includes beach-front, added to the town’s inventory.
Developer Fred Costabile gave the town 22 acres of “riparian lands” (land near water) just east of Waverly Beach to the town on August 14 “for conservation and public use.”
The town was excited about the donation as it adds “access to the Lake Erie shoreline (which) is a significant issue in Fort Erie.”
“This acquisition of waterfront lands will add to the inventory of Lake Erie properties owned by the Town.”
The land position next to the existing Waverly Beach Park (271 Helena St.) “will help expand and preserve the environmentally protected areas connected with Waverly Beach Park. This donation will protect part of our significant natural sites for wildlife to prosper and residents to enjoy.”
In May 2022, an environmentally friendly settlement regarding the Harbourtown Development was reached between the developer and Fort Erie Community Voices. The settlement included an increase in environmentally protected lands while creating three vernal ponds for amphibian breeding.
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Mayor Wayne Redekop said extending town-owned shoreline along Lake Erie will benefit the town’s residents.
“Mr. Costabile’s donation will safeguard lands and the shoreline east of Waverly Beach Park. Council is very grateful for this generous and remarkable gift of environmentally significant lands along the Lake Erie shore, which will increase the environmentally protected lands in the Waverly Beach area and bring the twenty-two acres into public ownership,” said Redekop.
Our entire community benefits with this significant shoreline acquisition, one more step in Fort Erie’s efforts to protect and preserve our natural heritage.”
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