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Alderman intends to withdraw harbor-line ordinance after safety concerns; public and port wardens oppose change
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Summary
Alderman Arnett told the committee he will seek to withdraw O-21-25, a proposed harbor-line extension near Safe Harbor Marina in Back Creek, after harbor staff and advisory boards raised navigational-safety concerns.
Alderman Arnett told the Environmental Matters Committee on Dec. 11 that he intends to ask the City Council to withdraw O-21-25, an ordinance that would extend the city’s harbor line in Back Creek near Safe Harbor Marina, after staff and advisory bodies raised navigational-safety concerns.
Arnett said the proposal’s genesis was to provide equitable relief because the city’s planned ADA-access improvements at the end of Sixth Street would affect several slips at an adjacent marina. “Navigational safety has to be preeminent,” Arnett said, noting that both the harbor master’s office and the Maritime Advisory Board had expressed concern and postponed recommendations on the measure.
Alan Hyatt, representing Safe Harbor Marina, urged the alderman not to withdraw the proposal and said the harbor-line change would create parity for the marina; Hyatt pointed to court proceedings involving an appeal of the port wardens’ prior decision. “I strongly urge the committee and the alderman to continue to move forward,” Hyatt said, arguing the proposed change would not worsen navigation because channel widths at the identified sections exceed 200 feet.
Members of the public and the boating community voiced opposition. Rita Wildy, an Annapolis boater, said the change would “reduce the navigable waters” in Back Creek and would set “a bad precedent” if the city favored a commercial operator over broader safety and public-access considerations.
Arnett said he will ask the council to support withdrawing the ordinance at the next council meeting; committee members did not take further action on the item in committee. Staff and advisory boards will continue to analyze navigational impacts and possible alternatives for restoring slips or accommodating ADA access without expanding the harbor line.
Ending: Arnett said he would withdraw the ordinance at the next council meeting; staff and the maritime advisory board will continue discussions on alternatives that prioritize navigation and public access.
