The Coastal Resource Management Council has opened its public comment period concerning the dinghy dock proposal for New Harbor.
The Town of New Shoreham and the Wronowski family, owners of Dead Eye Dick’s restaurant, are in the process of constructing a seasonal floating dinghy dock to serve boaters on the Great Salt Pond during the summer season.
The CRMC issued the public notice on May 5, 2018, which allows for the public to submit their comments until June 3, 2018. The CRMC’s notice notes that if a member of the public chooses to request a hearing that it “should be in writing and be received” at its office by that date.
Town Manager Ed Roberge told The Block Island Times that the “CRMC’s public notice confirms that an application to construct a public access dinghy dock has been submitted for approval. The Town and Island Marine Corp. (the Wronowski family) have been working closely to bring this dinghy dock project forward for the 2018 season. Part of the application process includes a public comment period.”
“This project is critically important for safe and reliable access to the Great Salt Pond and we are pleased with the efforts and commitment by Jessica Wronowski and the entire Island Marine team, as well as the continued support of the Block Island community,” said Roberge. “The permitting process continues through early June where we hope final approvals will lend itself for a June 2018 installation.”
The Wronowski family is funding construction of the dock on their private property and leasing the water/riparian rights to the town for one dollar per year for 20 years.
The dock proposal includes eight 20-foot long floating dock sections, and a 50-foot long ADA-compliant aluminum gangway, for dockage that will accommodate about 100 dinghies. The structure will not be connected to town water, sewer or electric. During the winter season the docks will be broken down and stored in the Wronowskis storage facility in New London, Conn.
The town has been searching for an alternative to the privately-owned dinghy dock located at the Boat Basin that was partially closed to the public last summer.