Here we go again!
Fairhaven continues to be in a financial box and looks for inventive ways to raise revenue. Now they wish to create a new bureaucracy by offering winter boat storage at Hoppy’s Landing.
Hoppy’s Landing sits empty all winter. So what! It does not put any additional drain on scarce resources.
On the Harbormaster and Marine Resources Advisory Committee (MRAC) recommendation the Select Board voted to allow a commercial boat storage operation at Hoppy’s Landing. Will this project pay for itself or will taxpayers be hit again?
What did they vote on? The June 6, 2024 MRAC meeting minutes received by the Town Clerk September 20, 2024 state that additional information on “Rules and Regulations, conservation requirements, map plan, and insurance” would be developed. The concern is that no additional information shows in the SB meeting agenda, packet, or minutes for the September 23 vote.
Was the vote based on anything more than the Harbormaster’s June statement that “…Sandwich currently offers winter storage for vessels… .”
When are town departments going to stop using “well, they do it!” and do what is best for Fairhaven?
What is involved in this boat storage facility?
ACCOUNTABILITY: Revenue and expenses should be within the Hoppy’s Landing Revolving fund account? Based on MRAC notes, using 10-to-15-foot boats at an average of 25’, revenue will be about $6000-10,000. No related expenses are mentioned. What is the benefit?
ENVIRONMENT: Birds seen at Hoppy’s and surrounding waters in late Spring and early Fall include Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Killdeer, Plovers, Sandpipers, Osprey and Barn Swallows. What impact will this have on these and other wildlife resident there? Have environmental agencies been consulted?
VOLUME: How many boats will be stored at Hoppy’s? Initial plans indicate 10-15 boats but does not define size or storage type? Will they all be trailered? Will the fee be based on the length of trailers?
SECURITY: Who monitors security? Will more fencing will be needed? Is this in the storage fee?
INSURANCE. How much insurance will owners and the Town need to carry? Is this also in the fee? Will there be a waiver of responsibility for owners and the Town?
MAINTENANCE: Will maintenance be allowed and by whom? Several years ago, a Town board denied boat storage with maintenance at the former Park Motors property on Middle Street citing environmental concerns. Hoppy’s is a more sensitive area than Middle Street. How will the Town justify allowing maintenance there after denying it on a less environmentally sensitive property?
RESTRICTIONS: What are storage terms? Who provides storage equipment? Will Fairhaven provide power and water?
This could become another cash cow like the illegitimate Waterway Use Fee and trash bin rental fee that prop up the budget? Remember: fees are intended for services to the fee payer, not the general fund.
The Select Board should immediately rescind the vote and hold public hearings on this before allowing storage at Hoppy’s Landing.
Marsby Warters, Fairhaven
•••
Click here to download the 10-10-24 issue: 10-10-24 FireOpenHouse
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
