Last night I listened to Judd Riekirk from the Park Board answer questions from the Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee about the Marina that could be located in front of the new Park Building.
The fact that the Park Board has asked the legislature for bonding and has sent out a RFP for proposals is quite astounding considering the lack of public input and the failure to investigate the most essential questions about such a project.
A short list of what has not been part of the planning process so far:
What is the best location for a Marina?
Would a Marina at this location meet the requirements of the Critical Area Plan?
Would this meet the requirements for the necessary permitting?
The City and Park Board have approved the Above the Falls Master Plan. Does this fit with the master plan?
What are the impacts on water quality?
What are the impacts on shoreline restoration?
What populations does this serve?
How does this fit with neighborhood plans?
Does this put the river rats out of business?
Is this a privatization of public land?
What are the impacts for boating-is a no wake zone required and how does this affect Paddleford boats, barges and recreational uses of this unique bend in the river?
How do you avoid going over the falls if your motor stalls?
This is not on MPRB land- Is this the best use of this strip of City owned land?
What happens during floods and ice flow?
What crime and safety issues would need to be addressed?
What are the effects of the infrastructure-boat cranes, road use, and parking?
How does this impact the extension of the River Road?
Who should determine what developments occur in this corridor and why?
Whether a Marina is a good idea or not, it was very clear from the presentation that there needs to be a better planning process before decisions are made about Requests for Proposals.
Thanks,
Scott Vreeland Seward
