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Windjammer Point residents urge city to reconsider riprap that they say blocks boat slips; committee to add item to future agenda
Summary
Residents of Windjammer Point Condominiums told the Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee that riprap placed near their seawall interferes with boat slips and lifts; staff recommended adding the matter to a future agenda for fuller discussion.
David Wilmette, president of the Windjammer Point Condominiums, told the Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee on April 21 that riprap recently placed against the development’s seawall is interfering with use of boat slips and boat lifts.
The matter matters to residents because, Wilmette said, some boats must be tucked close to the seawall for safe boarding, proper mooring in crosswinds and to fit on permitted lifts. “Riprap installed at our docks interferes with the use of boat slips and boat lifts,” Wilmette said, adding that Windjammer Point has about 120 feet of seawall and finger piers that are 25 feet long and 4 feet wide.
Committee members and staff discussed options briefly after the public comment period. Gary Disher, speaking for staff, recommended making the issue a formal agenda item so the committee and staff could examine the facts and notify interested residents before a full discussion. “My recommendation, or staff’s recommendation, will be — make an agenda item out of this so that we can have a more open discussion,” Disher said. Committee members agreed and directed staff to add the matter to a future meeting agenda as soon as practicable.
Wilmette told the committee he and other Windjammer Point residents have met with city staff but had not reached a solution; he provided photos to illustrate boats, lifts and rock placement and said the city has indicated riprap is planned for other seawall repairs. Wilmette and Glenn Curtis, treasurer of the condominium association, said one of the affected vessels is stored on a slide system that could be blocked if riprap is placed at the scheduled location.
The committee’s direction to add the matter to a future agenda is a referral for staff follow-up rather than a formal vote; staff said the agenda item will allow staff (including the canal maintenance inspector) to attend and present technical detail and potential alternatives. The committee did not adopt any rule changes or approvals on April 21.
Next steps: staff will schedule the discussion as an agenda item at an upcoming Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee meeting so the city inspector and other staff can address technical questions and alternatives for riprap near private docks.
