353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607 – Manhattan Square
Client: City of Rochester, New York
Construction Completion: 2026
Project Services: Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Assessment, Grading and Drainage Analysis, Water and Sanitary Sewer Evaluation, and Utility Coordination
The City of Rochester initiated the renovation of the playground at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park as part of a long-term effort to modernize one of the City’s most prominent downtown public spaces. The playground, which had last been improved more than two decades earlier, had reached the end of its useful life and presented safety, accessibility, and visibility challenges due to aging infrastructure, non-operational features, and constrained site conditions.
Located within a highly active civic park that hosts seasonal recreation and community events, the project required careful coordination to support increased public use while addressing underlying infrastructure needs. The playground renovation represents one phase of a broader, multi-year investment in the park and surrounding downtown area.
Costich Engineering provided civil engineering services supporting the planning and design of the playground renovation, with a focus on evaluating existing infrastructure and ensuring the site could safely accommodate renewed recreational use. Our work included assessing existing grading and drainage conditions, reviewing stormwater management considerations, and evaluating the condition and capacity of water and sanitary sewer systems serving the park.
Costich also provided civil engineering input during early design phases to support schematic planning, utility coordination, and constructability within the constraints of an established urban park. Our role emphasized aligning new recreational improvements with reliable infrastructure systems and long-term municipal maintenance needs.
Urban park renovations require a clear understanding of how surface improvements interact with underground utilities, drainage patterns, and existing site constraints. Costich’s civil engineering work supported design decision-making related to grading, drainage, and utility systems to help ensure safe circulation, effective stormwater management, and compatibility with surrounding park amenities and infrastructure.
The project’s downtown setting and phased redevelopment context required coordination with City agencies and consideration of long-term operational performance as the park continues to evolve.
Public recreational spaces rely on dependable infrastructure to remain safe, accessible, and welcoming over time. Costich’s civil engineering services supported the City’s goal of renewing the playground by addressing underlying site and utility conditions that directly affect public safety and usability. By evaluating infrastructure early in the planning process, the project helps support a recreational environment that can serve families, visitors, and the surrounding community as part of the park’s ongoing revitalization.
Learn more about this project here:
After nearly 23 years, MLK Park renovations near completion | WXXI News
Learn more about this project here:
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Playground Renovation | City of Rochester, New York
Rochester International Commerce Center, Chili, NY
Client: XC International, LLC
Construction Completion: Spring 2026
Project Services: Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, Site Planning, Landscape Architecture, Permitting and Approval Coordination, SWPPP Support, Construction Administration
The XC International project at Lot A-R103 within the Rochester International Commerce Center represents an important investment in the company’s continued growth and long-term operational future in the Rochester region.
Costich Engineering has supported the project through multiple phases of development, providing land surveying, civil engineering, site planning, landscape architecture, permitting coordination, and construction-phase support. Working across disciplines helps create continuity from early site planning through final completion and positions the project to move efficiently toward occupancy.
Now in the final stages of construction, the new facility is nearing completion as XC International prepares for move-in this spring. Projects like this do more than deliver a finished building. They create the infrastructure a business needs to support daily operations, strengthen long-term functionality, and establish a space aligned with the needs of the company as it moves forward.
For Costich, projects of this kind reflect the value of coordinated site development from concept through closeout. By bringing together technical services across the life of a project, our role is to help deliver sites that are practical, well-planned, and built to support long-term success.
715 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580
Client: Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union
Construction Completion: Construction underway
Project Services: Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, Site Planning, Accessibility Coordination, Utility Coordination, Landscaping Plan Development, Permitting and Approval Coordination
Costich Engineering is providing surveying and civil engineering services for the new Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union branch development at 715 Ridge Road in Webster.
Our work on the project has included early ALTA/NSPS survey support and ongoing site civil coordination as the project has moved into development. That work has involved site planning, grading, utilities, accessibility, landscaping, and permitting coordination, all of which play a role in moving a commercial site from due diligence into construction.
Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union officially broke ground on the new Webster office in December 2025. Public coverage of the project notes that the new branch is being developed as a permanent location in Webster, with construction projected to be completed in fall 2026.
Projects like this reflect the kind of multidisciplinary support our team provides throughout the site development process. From survey and existing conditions documentation through civil engineering coordination and permitting, our role is to help establish the technical foundation needed to move a project forward.
Publishers Parkway and Hard Road, Webster, NY
Client: McAlpin Industries Inc.
Construction Completion: 2030
Project Services: Civil engineering, grading, utilities, stormwater design, landscape architecture, permitting support, and site plan coordination for phased construction of a large manufacturing warehouse facility
Costich Engineering provided civil engineering, land surveying, and landscape architecture services for a phased manufacturing and warehouse expansion for McAlpin Industries in the Town of Webster, Monroe County, New York.
The project involves the development of a new 300,000-square-foot light manufacturing and warehouse facility on a 25.65-acre site located along Publishers Parkway and Hard Road. Construction is planned in multiple phases, beginning with an initial 120,000-square-foot building, with future expansion anticipated through 2030.
McAlpin Industries, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Rochester, provides advanced manufacturing services including robotic welding, machining, tooling, welding, and stamping. The Webster facility is intended to support long-term operational growth while maintaining proximity to the company’s regional workforce and supply chain.
Costich Engineering served as the project’s civil engineering consultant, providing comprehensive site development services from initial planning through final site plan approval.
Our scope included:
Civil engineering design and construction documents
Site layout, grading, and drainage design
Stormwater management and SWPPP coordination
Utility planning and infrastructure design
Landscape architecture design for buffers and site features
Land surveying and boundary control
Coordination with Town of Webster staff, the Planning Board, and reviewing agencies
The site presented several planning and regulatory challenges. The property had previously been proposed for residential development, requiring a complete re-evaluation of site layout, access, utilities, and environmental controls to support industrial use.
Key challenges included:
Designing infrastructure to support a large-scale industrial facility while allowing for phased construction
Meeting Town of Webster zoning and OP Core Area North district requirements
Coordinating stormwater management for a significant area of site disturbance
Integrating truck access, employee parking, and loading dock circulation safely and efficiently
Addressing Planning Board conditions tied to drainage, lighting, signage, landscaping, and buffering
Costich Engineering developed a phased site plan that balanced McAlpin’s operational needs with municipal requirements and long-term flexibility.
The civil design established:
A site grading plan that accommodated large building footprints while maintaining positive drainage
On-site stormwater management facilities designed to meet local and state standards
Utility infrastructure sized and located to serve current and future phases
Defined truck and employee circulation patterns accessed from Hard Road
Landscape and buffering elements designed to mitigate visual impacts and support site functionality
Early coordination with Town staff and reviewers allowed the project to move efficiently through the approval process. Final site plan and special use permit approvals were granted in May 2025, clearing the way for construction to begin on Phase I.
Final site plan approval and special use permit secured from the Town of Webster
Civil design supporting a 300,000-square-foot build-out with phased construction
Infrastructure planned to accommodate long-term manufacturing expansion
Stormwater and site systems designed for regulatory compliance and operational reliability
The project represents a significant industrial investment in Webster and supports continued growth of advanced manufacturing in Monroe County.
Costich Engineering provides civil engineering, land surveying, and landscape architecture services for complex site development projects across Rochester and Western New York.
Learn more about the McAlpin Industries expansion and its regional economic impact:
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/webster/new-mcalpin-facility-in-webster-to-boost-finger-lakes-economy/
Town of Webster official project details and planning materials — https://www.websterny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11568/McAlpin-Industries—Webster
Empire State Development press release on support for McAlpin Industries — https://esd.ny.gov/esd-media-center/press-releases/empire-state-development-announces-support-mcalpin-industries
Rochester Business Journal article on the $23M expansion — https://rochesterbiz.com/mcalpin-industries-plans-23-million-expansion-in-webster-ny/
Update from Lefrois Builders on sitework progress — LeFrois Builders & Developers
Construction activity in Western New York doesn’t stop when temperatures drop, but the approach to erosion and sediment control has to change. Between November 15 and April 1, all active construction sites in the Rochester region and surrounding counties must comply with New York State’s Winter Stabilization standard, a set of enhanced requirements designed to manage the unique challenges of freeze-thaw cycles, snowmelt events, and winter precipitation. This isn’t optional. It’s a regulatory requirement under the SPDES Construction General Permit, and it’s enforced through municipal inspections and SWPPP compliance checks.
Winter stabilization is about preventing sediment from migrating off-site during the months when conditions make erosion control more difficult. Snow accumulation, ice dams, frozen ground, and rapid melt events all increase the risk of sediment reaching adjacent properties, stormwater systems, and nearby waterways. For project owners, contractors, and site managers, understanding how to plan for and implement these measures is essential to maintaining compliance and avoiding violations.
This guide walks through the key requirements of the Winter Stabilization standard and provides a framework for how to prepare a site for the winter season.
Snow has to go somewhere, and where it goes matters. A snow management plan identifies adequate storage areas for cleared snow and ensures that meltwater is controlled in a way that doesn’t interfere with ongoing construction or degrade installed erosion controls.
Cleared snow must be stored in a manner that doesn’t affect construction activities or damage perimeter controls like silt fence. Access points should be enlarged and stabilized to accommodate plowing and stockpiling operations. The plan should account for where snow will be pushed, how drainage will be maintained during melt events, and how to prevent snow piles from blocking critical stormwater infrastructure.
Perimeter controls such as silt fence are required to remain functional throughout the winter, which means they need to stay visible and accessible even under heavy snow cover. Silt fence should be marked with tall stakes that extend above the anticipated snow pack so contractors and inspectors can locate and maintain them during winter months.
A minimum 25-foot buffer must be maintained from all perimeter controls to prevent damage from snow management activities. On sites that drain to a waterbody within 100 feet, two rows of silt fence spaced five feet apart must be installed on the contour to provide additional sediment capture.
Snow removal and stockpiling operations should be planned to avoid driving equipment near or over silt fence and other sediment barriers. Damage to these controls during snow events creates pathways for sediment to leave the site during thaw.
Drainage infrastructure is under additional stress during winter. Catch basins, culverts, swales, and other conveyance features can become blocked by snow, ice dams, and debris from plowing operations. When drainage is obstructed, runoff is redirected in unintended directions, increasing the risk of sediment leaving the site.
All drainage structures must be kept open and free of snow and ice throughout the season. Ice dams and debris that restrict the flow of runoff and meltwater must be removed promptly. Regular inspections should verify that water is flowing as intended and that no new drainage issues have developed due to winter conditions.
Sediment barriers such as silt fence and other perimeter controls that require earth disturbance must be installed before the ground freezes. Once frozen conditions set in, it becomes difficult or impossible to properly anchor these practices, which compromises their effectiveness.
This means planning ahead in late fall to ensure all required barriers are in place before temperatures drop consistently below freezing. Soil stockpiles should also be protected before winter using established vegetation, anchored straw mulch, rolled stabilization matting, or other durable coverings. A barrier must be installed at least 15 feet from the toe of each stockpile to capture any loose material that might migrate during thaw events.
One of the most stringent components of the Winter Stabilization standard is the timeline for soil stabilization. In areas where soil disturbance activity has temporarily or permanently ceased, stabilization measures must be initiated by the end of the next business day and completed within three days.
Rolled erosion control blankets are required on all slopes of three horizontal to one vertical or steeper. On flatter areas, straw mulch can be used, but the application rate must be doubled to four tons per acre during winter months to account for reduced effectiveness under snow and ice. Other manufactured mulches follow the same principle and should be applied at double the manufacturer’s recommended rate.
To stay ahead of melt events, disturbed soil should be stabilized at the end of each workday unless construction will resume in the same area within 24 hours and no precipitation is forecast, or unless the work is in areas designed to collect and retain runoff such as open utility trenches, foundation excavations, or water management features.
Seeding with mulch cover is preferred, but seeding alone does not meet the stabilization requirement during winter months. Areas must be protected with physical coverage that will remain effective under snow and ice conditions.
Winter construction means managing vehicle access in conditions that would otherwise degrade unprotected soil. Stone paths should be installed to stabilize access perimeters around buildings under construction and in areas where equipment traffic is anticipated.
These paths must be a minimum of 10 feet wide but should be widened as necessary to accommodate larger machinery and maintain safe movement across the site. Stone paths prevent rutting, reduce tracking of mud and sediment onto public roads, and provide stable access even during freeze-thaw cycles that would render unpaved areas impassable.
Frequent site inspections are required to verify that erosion and sediment control measures are performing as intended. For sites under winter shutdown, all bare exposed soil must be stabilized by established vegetation, straw or other acceptable mulch, matting, rock, or approved rolled erosion control products.
Compliance inspections and reports must be filed in accordance with the site’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan regardless of whether active construction is occurring. Inspections should document site conditions, identify any deficiencies in erosion control measures, and coordinate corrective actions before small issues become larger problems.
This level of attention is what separates projects that maintain compliance from those that face violations, delays, or environmental impacts when municipal inspectors or DEC staff conduct site visits.
Even with proper planning and installation, erosion and sediment controls can be overwhelmed or damaged during severe weather events. Rapid snowmelt combined with rain, ice dams that redirect flow, and equipment damage during snow removal can all compromise the effectiveness of controls. When this happens, quick action is required to minimize environmental impact and restore compliance.
Inspect immediately after the event. As soon as it’s safe to access the site, conduct a thorough inspection of all erosion and sediment control measures. Look for damaged silt fence, overtopped sediment barriers, clogged drainage structures, and any evidence of sediment leaving the site. Document conditions with photos and notes.
Address off-site sediment migration. If sediment has left the site and reached adjacent properties, roadways, or stormwater systems, it needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Sediment on roadways should be swept or removed to prevent it from entering catch basins. Sediment that has reached wetlands, streams, or other sensitive areas may require coordination with DEC or the municipality to determine appropriate cleanup methods.
Repair or replace damaged controls. Silt fence that has been knocked down, buried, or torn needs to be repaired or replaced immediately. Sediment barriers that have been overtopped and are no longer functional should be cleaned out and restored to full capacity. If existing controls were insufficient to handle the event, additional measures may need to be installed to prevent future failures.
Clear drainage structures and remove ice dams. Check all catch basins, culverts, and swales to ensure they are open and flowing properly. Remove any ice dams or debris that is restricting flow. If drainage was redirected during the event, verify that it has returned to the intended flow path and that no new erosion issues have developed.
Stabilize any newly exposed soil. If the storm or melt event caused erosion that exposed additional soil, those areas need to be stabilized immediately. This may require additional mulch, erosion control blankets, or other temporary measures to prevent further sediment loss.
Document and report. All corrective actions should be documented in the site inspection records and included in the next compliance report. If the event resulted in a discharge that violated water quality standards or caused environmental harm, it may need to be reported to DEC or the municipality in accordance with the permit requirements.
Revise the SWPPP if necessary. If the failure revealed weaknesses in the erosion and sediment control plan, the SWPPP should be revised to address those deficiencies. This might include adding additional controls, increasing the capacity of existing measures, or changing snow management procedures to prevent similar problems in the future.
Winter weather is unpredictable, and even well-designed controls can fail under extreme conditions. The key is to respond quickly, document what happened, and make the changes necessary to prevent recurrence. Sites that demonstrate a commitment to rapid response and corrective action are far less likely to face enforcement actions even when problems occur.
Winter stabilization requirements exist to protect the streams, lakes, and water resources that define the character of Western New York. Sediment pollution from construction sites can degrade water quality, harm aquatic habitats, and create long-term environmental problems that are difficult and expensive to remediate.
For project owners and contractors, compliance with winter stabilization standards means avoiding enforcement actions, preventing delays, and maintaining the ability to keep projects moving through the winter months. It also demonstrates a commitment to responsible site management and environmental stewardship.
Planning for winter stabilization should begin in the fall, well before the November 15 start date. Sites that wait until the last minute to install controls or develop snow management plans are more likely to face compliance issues when weather conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Winter in Western New York is long, and construction activity continues through it. Proper planning, timely installation of controls, and consistent site inspections are what keep projects on track and in compliance from November through April.
New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Blue Book)
The complete technical standard referenced throughout the Winter Stabilization requirements, including detailed specifications for all erosion and sediment control practices.
NYS DEC Blue Book (November 2016)
SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity (GP-0-25-001)
The current Construction General Permit that governs all construction activities disturbing one or more acres in New York State, effective January 29, 2025.
Construction General Permit
New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual
Technical guidance for the design of stormwater management practices on projects requiring post-construction stormwater controls, updated July 2024.
Stormwater Design Manual (2024)
Construction Stormwater Toolbox
NYS DEC’s central resource page for technical information, training requirements, inspection forms, and compliance tools for construction site stormwater management.
DEC Construction Stormwater Toolbox
Erosion and Sediment Control Training
Information on the required four-hour DEC-endorsed training for contractors, subcontractors, and qualified inspectors working on SPDES-permitted construction sites.
NYS Conservation District Training Calendar
Tech & Tools
STEM Toys for Future Engineers/Surveyors/Landscape Architects
Wearables
Just Because
Books / Magazines
1800 S Clinton Ave, Brighton, NY 14618
Client: McQuaid Jesuit
Construction Completion: Fall 2025
Project Services: Land Survey, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation & Construction Observation
Costich partnered with McQuaid Jesuit to renew Fr. Richard Noonan S.J. Field with a modern synthetic turf system designed for long-term durability and year-round performance. The project continues our ongoing collaboration with the campus, supporting its Athletic Master Plan that began in 2019.
Our team provided full-service design and documentation — from initial boundary and topographic surveys through final construction observation. The new turf surface enhances playability, improves drainage, and allows McQuaid athletes to stay on the field through Rochester’s variable weather conditions.
• Extend the playable season and reduce downtime after rain and snow
• Improve drainage and grading for safer, more consistent play
• Create a low-maintenance, high-performance field that can support daily use
• Integrate seamlessly with the surrounding campus and circulation routes
Costich delivered complete in-house services across multiple disciplines.
• Land Surveying to capture existing grades, boundaries, and utilities
• Civil Engineering for grading, sub-base, and stormwater improvements
• Landscape Architecture for circulation, edges, and spectator areas
• Schematic Design through Construction Documents with technical coordination
• Construction Observation and field verification during installation
The field renewal introduced a next-generation synthetic turf system designed to withstand heavy use and Rochester’s four-season climate. Costich’s design addressed sub-base stability, drainage performance, and ADA access while maintaining the campus’s visual identity.
The project team worked closely with McQuaid’s athletic staff and turf installer to phase construction around active sports schedules, ensuring minimal disruption to on-campus activities. The result is a surface that looks and performs like natural grass but delivers consistent playability throughout the year.
• Reliable, all-weather play surface that extends the competitive season
• Safer footing and reduced surface maintenance compared to natural grass
• Efficient stormwater management and improved field drainage
• Enhanced aesthetics and functionality for spectators and players alike
Fr. Richard Noonan S.J. Field now serves as a cornerstone of McQuaid Jesuit’s athletics complex, supporting multiple programs and student activities across the school year.
Learn more about this project by going to the Visit McQuaid Jesuit website:
Facilities | McQuaid Jesuit
Check out the Costich’s Instagram Post: @costichengineering
Check out the McQuaid Jesuit Facebook Post: www.facebook.com/McQuaidJesuit
Five Mile Lane Road, Penfield New York
Client: Town of Penfield, New York
Construction Completion: 2025
Project Services: Land Survey, Civil Engineering, Aerial Photography & Imagery Analysis, Mapping, Floodplain Studies, Design Development, Construction Documentation & Construction Observation
Costich Engineering partnered with the Town of Penfield to design and construct sidewalk improvements primarily along Five Mile Line Road, with connections into Atlantic Avenue. These enhancements improve pedestrian safety, connectivity, and mobility in a corridor that intersects two key thoroughfares. The project also takes into account local watershed conditions and ensures compatibility with surrounding infrastructure.
Costich Engineering delivered a full complement of professional services to support the sidewalk project, including:
Land Surveying: topographic and boundary surveys to set grades and alignments
Civil Engineering: roadway grading, drainage coordination, and sidewalk structural design
Landscape Architecture: selecting plantings and integrating the sidewalk into its surroundings
Schematic Design & Design Development: early-phase alignment studies and refinement
Construction Documentation & Construction Observation: preparation of plans/specs and field oversight through implementation
Majority of sidewalk work concentrated along Five Mile Line Road, with tie-ins at Atlantic Avenue
Phased construction to minimize disruption along key intersection
Integration of stormwater and drainage considerations given proximity to Ross Brook watershed
Design and construction in compliance with NYSDOT and local standards
Sidewalk improvements on going; additional project components (culvert extension and pond expansion) scheduled for later phases.
Learn more about this project by going to the Town of Penfield project detail page:
https://www.penfield.org/detail_T12_R113.php
Read the Town of Penfield’s news release about the project:
https://www.penfield.org/news_detail_T3_R1347.php
See Monroe County’s announcement on the sidewalk program:
https://www.monroecounty.gov/news-2024-09-25-sidewalk
