Write a commentOn Feb. 2, 2013, the Oswego Lighthouse Development Committee had a table at "Warm Up Oswego" in the Oswego YMCA Armory.
This annual winter festival showcases local businesses and organizations while city residents peruse about. The Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse is undergoing a huge redevelopment project that will take years to be completed, but the changes made in 2012 deserve to be celebrated.
In the last year, a lot of cleaning and prep work has been accomplished. Hazardous materials such as old batteries, lead paint, bird droppings, old electrics, asbestos, and furnace have all been removed. The solar panel array on the exterior has been taken down, and dangerous staircases have been fixed. Between Oct. 15 and Nov.19, Continental Construction completely repaired the exterior stairs, all of the exterior deck railings — about 600 feet — as well as some window shutters, and walls.
There is still more than enough restoration work to be done in 2013. This year's plans include completing the 2012 construction contract, developing a floating dock system for safe access to and from the lighthouse and installing a composting toilet for workers and volunteers.
Last, but certainly not least, is the committee's organization of volunteers to aid in the lighthouse's restoration this summer. Skilled volunteers will help with cleaning, painting and some general repairs. Anyone interested should contact the H. Lee White Marine Museum at 315-342-0480.
The contractor portion of phase one was funded through the Erie Canal Greenway Program awarded by the New York State Canal Corporation of the New York State Thruway Authority. Phase two of the restoration, the exterior renovation, is now being planned. The committee and museum will need more grants to accomplish completion of the second phase.
About H. Lee White Marine Museum:
The museum is the nonprofit partner of the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse restoration. Together with the city of Oswego it has been able to start the renovation process. The maritime museum is home to Oswego lighthouse exhibits, historic ships and other galleries and exhibits. For more information, visit www.hleewhitemarinemuseum.com or www.facebook.com/OswegoLH.
