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Council approves 5‑year renewal of Prospect Beach Fish & Game Club lease; residents and club members speak in support
Summary
After public comments from club members describing maintenance work, safety contributions and membership rules, the council approved a five‑year lease renewal for the Prospect Beach Fish & Game Club; rent is $1 per year and the lease runs June 2025–May 2030.
The West Haven City Council approved a five‑year lease renewal with the Prospect Beach Fish and Game Club for property adjacent to Prospect/Dawson beaches, following public comment from the club and committee review.
Club members said the nonprofit—founded in 1948 and restricted to West Haven residents—maintains the ramp and a stretch of beach, installs safety buoys, and provides emergency access for fire and police. Angela Beebe, the club president, told the council the group pays for electrical service for Dawson Avenue parking‑lot cameras, requires liability insurance for ramp users, and regularly donates to local charities. “We are asking that you renew our lease for our community,” Beebe said.
Former lifeguard and club member Bob Pymer described the club’s role in maintaining two no‑wake buoys and noted the club’s ramp provides alternate emergency access to the harbor. Council members said the club’s work contributes to public safety and beach maintenance.
Public‑lands committee minutes show the committee unanimously recommended passage of a five‑year renewal. The council approved the lease by majority vote; the lease term as read into committee was June 2025 through May 2030 and the annual rent is $1.
Committee members and the mayor emphasized that the leased area does not privatize the sandy beach; the lease covers club parking and storage areas and the ramp structure, while the shoreline and public sand remain open to all residents.
