LAKEWOOD — The Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit project is set to begin construction this month.

The village of Lakewood received a grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation via the Green Innovation Grant Program and Clean Water State Revolving Fund in 2018 that has allowed it to undertake the project.

This project is the result of a study published in 2018 by the village of Lakewood and town of Busti Storm Water Management Engineering Study.

Although the project is aimed at redirecting the silt flow from storm water, byproducts of this product include the increased health of Chautauqua Lake and a better-looking village, officials said.

“Silts flowing down the street due to storm water will be redirected and also increase the health of Chautauqua Lake,” said Village Mayor Randy Holcomb, “along with that comes the beautification of the streets in the village.”

With the partnership of the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance, the engineering of Barton & Loguidic and the construction efforts of Kingsview enterprises, Chautauqua Avenue and the adjacent curb areas between Second Street and Summit Avenue will receive infrastructural improvements.

The plan is to install storm water street trees alongside the sidewalk along with permeable, interlocking concrete pavers within the intersections and curb areas.

The goal with these new additions is to assist in infiltration and biofiltration of storm water while simultaneously relieving the burden put on the existing infrastructure in place for drainage.

The project will also benefit the village by improving the appearance of the street which will then provide the classic “Main Street” spirit.

Kingsview Enterprises, with the assistance of the village’s Department of Public Works, will be undertaking the construction that is set to begin this month, with a projected completion date of Aug. 14.

Although those driving through Chautauqua Avenue may run into detours relating to the construction, local businesses will remain accessible throughout the duration of the project and customers are encouraged to continue visiting them.

More information regarding the project can be found by contacting the village of Lakewood at lkwd@lakewoodny.com or the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance at rperry@chautauquaalliance.org.