HAMBURG, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Town of Hamburg will no longer operate Woodlawn Beach State Park after the town board on Monday passed a resolution to end their partnership with New York State on operations at the park at the end of this year.
The resolution passed by a 3-2 vote. For the last several months, the town negotiated with New York State over maintenance and operations at Woodlawn Beach and questioned whether it would better serve the public to relinquish control of operations beginning in 2020. New York State agreed to park improvements in addition to an entrance fee adjustments.
"Last night, we informed the State of New York that we were not going to renew the lease," said Hamburg Town Supervisor Jim Shaw. "At the end of the lease term in 2019, the town would walk away from the maintenance and operation of the state park and beach."
Even though the state would technically have the right to board it and fence off the beach, Shaw says that the state indicated indicated that it will take over maintenance and operation in 2020.
"We're thrilled about that," he said. "That means people in Western New York who enjoy the Woodlawn Beach will still have access to it, and Town of Hamburg taxpayers can realize a shifting of funds and personnel to the Hamburg Town Beach Park and other facilities, which will inure to the benefit of our taxpayers. So, we're happy."
With state taking over, Hamburg will save about $400,000 per year, and Shaw says that money can now be invested elsewhere.
"The Hamburg Town Beach is for Hamburg residents," said Shaw. "It needs some tender love, and care and maintenance, so we've got to spend more money there."
Hamburg began exclusive maintenance and operation of Woodlawn Beach in 2010 but continued to operate at an annual financial loss.