Nearly all speakers at a public hearing Wednesday night urged Geneva City Council to reject any change in use or potential sale of Loomis Woods, arguing the city-owned woodland should remain protected parkland as originally intended when it was donated more than a century ago.
The public hearing was held to gather community feedback on whether the city should consider changing the use of Loomis Woods, a roughly 15-acre wooded parcel near North Street Elementary School. City officials emphasized that no proposal to sell the property is currently under consideration and that the hearing was not a vote on a sale.
A total of 13 people spoke during the Loomis Woods public hearing. Of those speakers, 12 spoke in opposition to changing the use or selling the property. One speaker remained neutral.
Geoff Hellauer-Geiger, speaking as an individual and as a member of the Geneva Parks Collective, said selling the land would amount to a permanent loss of a public asset. “Affordable housing is important, but let’s pursue it responsibly on land that’s already developed,” he said.
Several speakers referenced the environmental and educational value of the woods.
Karina Connolly, a fifth-grade teacher at North Street School, said Loomis Woods plays a direct role in student learning. “Loomis Woods is a place that I immensely enjoy going with my students to connect them deeper to the natural world and ensure that they have the appreciation necessary to continue to learn about and protect it,” she said.
Multiple speakers raised legal concerns, pointing to the original deed restrictions and New York’s public trust doctrine governing parkland.
Henry Augustine of Washington Street urged the city to consider how the decision would reflect Geneva’s identity. “Any motion to rezone or use Loomis Woods for anything other than the public good…is a step away from uniquely urban,” he said, referencing the city’s motto.
After all comments were heard, Mayor Jim Cecere closed the public hearing, noting that public feedback will be reviewed as the city considers whether to take any further steps related to Loomis Woods.
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