Fire reveals needs on waterfront
An article in the Nov 29 Stamford Advocate by Angela Carella has been long overdue. The concerns of the members of the Board of Representative’s Public Safety Committee were well-documented by a number of serious incidents that have occurred since 2012. It took the Oct. 3 boat fire in Stamford Harbor which destroyed four boats, damaged docks, and resulted in a half million dollars in losses to get the attention of Stamford’s government.
That so many of these incidents involved help from neighboring communities (and some from farther away) to get resolved should not be a reflection on Stamford’s emergency personnel. What most boaters, as well as those using the harbor know, is that it is a clear indication of the lack of understanding and respect by the administration for our wonderful harbor and how it is used. It is a stark reminder that other communities better serve their water borne emergency responders by providing adequate staffing and well maintained equipment.
Since the destruction of the 14.3 acre boatyard (also in 2012) by the South End developer, it has become obvious that the administration no longer wants its share of Connecticut’s $4.1 billion maritime industry. The much smaller proposed boatyard intended to replace the large Brewer operation has not been completed. The Magee Avenue portion, designed to store and service smaller boats such as the 24-foot Sea Ray which initiated the fire, has not yet been constructed in violation of the zoning certificate issued. Instead of the roughly 200 maritime jobs once here in and surrounding the former boatyard, there is a 14.3-acre plus parking lot of “staged spoils” dirt piles providing dust and grit to the local community.
Some 10 small businesses that depended on the boatyard are gone. Stamford’s Harbor Management Commission had its city budget removed by the mayor. Walkways overlooking Stamford’s harbor will replace marinas and boating facilities. Massive blocks of buildings making millions for the developer are quickly subverting the ability of citizens to access one of the city’s greatest resources. It is hoped that members of the Board of Representatives Safety Committee will look to the Stamford Harbor Management Commission, Police and Firefighter maritime responders and the boat and yacht clubs to learn more about what is needed.