During the recent Town of Stratford Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on April 2, 2024, discussions centered around a proposed marine service building that aims to enhance local waterfront services. The proposal is particularly significant as it seeks to establish the second marine service facility along Stratford's nine miles of waterfront, with the only existing one being Brewer's Marina.

The applicant emphasized the necessity of this new facility, noting that it would provide essential services to the community and fill a gap in marine service offerings. The proposed site, located in a designated waterfront business district, is deemed suitable for such a development, as it meets the required space for a 6,000 square foot building.

Concerns were raised regarding environmental safety, particularly about materials that could potentially be swept into the river during storm events. However, the applicant assured the board that the building would be secured during storms, and any flooding would be managed through specially designed breakaway walls, minimizing environmental risks.

The discussion also highlighted the lack of alternative locations for this type of facility, reinforcing the importance of the chosen site. The applicant had been searching for an appropriate property for years before acquiring the current site, which became available following the passing of the previous owner.

As Stratford continues to develop its waterfront, the addition of this marine service building could significantly benefit local residents by improving access to marine services and enhancing the overall functionality of the waterfront area. The board's decision on this proposal will be closely watched by community members who are eager to see improvements in local marine infrastructure.