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The intersection of Lincoln and William streets is closed from Tuesday, Jan. 30 through Thursday, Feb. 1, due to construction. During that time, the driveway for Westminster Presbyterian Church will be closed and there will be no through traffic on William Street. Traveling from the south, William Street traffic will detour on Westlake Avenue to Fort Street to Genesee Street. Traveling from the north, William Street from Genesee Street to Lincoln Street will be open to local traffic only. 

Auburn YMCA-WEIU CEO Chris Nucerino said staff has been working closely with the city of Auburn to lessen any impact the construction will have on YMCA patrons. 

"Our purpose is to communicate with our members as the city communicates with us what's going on so our members are well aware and not surprised by what's going on," Nucerino said.

Nucerino said he sent out an email newsletter to all YMCA members on Monday letting them know about the construction work on William Street and traffic changes in the area. Signs were posted in the facility as well. 

Patrick Heery, the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church, said the construction on William Street shouldn't be "too much of a hassle" for the church. The only real impact it will have is on the church's nursery school, Heery said, as parents typically pick up their children on William Street. However, the church does have an entrance on Court Street where parents will be able to pick up their children during the road closure. 

However, Nucerino, Heery and Seward House Museum Executive Director Billye Chabot said the loss of the South Street parking lot will have a much bigger impact than the road closures. The lot is set to permanently close at 11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4. Nucerino, Heery and Chabot said they have shared concerns about parking with city staff and have been working to lessen the impact in any way they can.

Nucerino said the YMCA has worked with the city to provide alternative parking options for members. 

"Parking is always an issue for YMCAs," Nucerino said. "Our members have concerns about having safe and easy access to the Y."

The YMCA supported the city's decision to offer free, two-hour parking in the Lincoln Street parking garage, as well as the city's decision to hire a crossing guard for the intersection of Lincoln and William Street to help people cross safely from the garage. 

"Snow removal is a high priority as well so folks can safely gain access to the Y and other business in the area," he said.  

As for the church, the more long-term impact will be on those who work for the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, which has its administrative offices on the church's second floor. Heery said some of the permanent theater staff are able to park in the church's small lot, but eight other employees typically park across the street in the lot. 

"It won't affect the church so much but it will affect residents who we care very much about," Heery said.

The pastor said the parking garage could be a "viable alternative." While Heery said the church is "really glad" the city has installed additional security measures in the garage, including improved lighting and security cameras, he still has concerns about safety. He doesn't foresee much of an impact on parishioners, as they are able to park in the county lot on Sundays during worship services.  

Heery did say he is concerned that the loss of the parking lot could lead people to park in the church's private lot.

"Since we've known this is coming, we've been having conversations (with the city) for a long time now to figure out best solution," Heery said.

Chabot said the museum won't feel any impacts from construction until March when it reopens for the season. It was closed in January and is open only by appointment in February. Chabot said she and other museum staff have been taking the time while the museum has been closed to plan for how to best get the message about construction out to museum visitors. 

"We've been working with city officials as the process is moving forward," Chabot said. "Of course it will be impactful, but we're focused on getting messaging out to our visitors and patrons."

Chabot said the museum will update visitors on any construction impacts via the museum's and social media accounts. They will post signage at the museum directing visitors to use the parking garage. 

"We're so pleased the city is allowing two-hour free parking, which is perfect for Seward House visitors," she said.