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Cambridge lawmakers urge committee to allow lease reorientation for Riverside Boat Club
Summary
Rep. Michael Connolly asked the joint committee to advance legislation authorizing a reoriented lease for the Riverside Boat Club on DCR land to improve access and equipment storage.
State Representative Michael Connolly told the joint committee that House Bill H.3308 (and companion Senate language) would permit the Riverside Boat Club in Cambridge to reconfigure a DCR waterfront parcel so the club can better store boats and improve building access for local schools and community groups.
Connolly said the bill’s language has been approved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and that the proposal does not result in a loss of public space. He told the committee the senate passed an earlier version of the legislation on July 30 of the prior year and the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading had vetted subsequent edits reflected in the version before the committee.
Why it matters: supporters said the change would help a community nonprofit that provides rowing access and equipment storage for youth and school programs along the Charles River. Connolly asked the committee to act so the bill can move through the legislature this session.
What was said: Connolly described the Riverside Boat Club as “a community boat club,” said the DCR approved the language and that the reorientation preserves public space while improving stewardship. Representative Rayce (in the audience) said he intends to vote to report the bill favorably. No formal action or vote occurred during this hearing.
Ending: proponents asked the committee to advance the bill quickly given prior legislative progress in the Senate; committee members took no formal vote at the hearing.
