After countless calls for riverfront development, Auburn may have a little more elbow room to do just that -- if it gains access to the water.

A strip of land owned by Cayuga County with the Owasco River running through it may trickle into the hands of city officials.

The county Planning and Economic Development Committee is reviewing city manager Mark Palesh's request to acquire the land for development and possibly to expand the buffer around the landfill.

During a meeting between the two municipalities, Palesh inquired about the land bordering the city landfill that stretches into Throop and Aurelius. The river bisects the discussed property in some areas, and defines it in the southern half.

"We've not heard from the county, but that doesn't mean anything. We're still encouraged by the good reception we received," city corporation counsel Andrew Fusco said.

City officials first learned the county owned the land when they were reviewing the surrounding area in preparation for the North Division Street landfill's pending fourth cell. Fusco said they belived New York State Electric and Gas still owned the property.

In fact, Cayuga County acquired it on Oct. 28, 1982, from the utility company for a nominal fee.

The county's master plan of 1992 indicated planners belived the city could use the plot to expand its landfill. County attorney Fred Westphal presumed the drafters did not mean for the county to maintain ownership.

Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Citizen.