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Advisory groups back concept for kayak launch on East River; staff directed to pursue grants and permits
Summary
Parks and recreation advisory board presented a plan for a seasonal kayak launch and small trailhead on town property along the East River; the board voted to support the concept, directing staff to prepare engineering estimates and grant applications and to secure DEC/Army Corps/County approvals.
The Parks & Recreation advisory board presented a plan to install a seasonal kayak launch and small trailhead on town‑owned East River shoreline and the advisory group voted to support the concept and move forward with grant and engineering work.
Joe Killian, who outlined the site plan and preliminary engineering idea, said the location is largely cleared and suitable for a modest floating launch connected to a short access walkway and a small parking hub across the road. “We need a kayak launch,” Killian said, summarizing the idea that prompted the proposal; he estimated the kayak launch element itself at about $15,000 while noting that a final total depends on whether the town does parking and site work in‑house or pays contractors.
Speakers emphasized regulatory steps and neighboring concerns. Staff and advisory members said the project appears consistent with the town’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) but must obtain routine permits — Department of Environmental Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers and county highway approvals — and address erosion control, parking, ADA accommodations and storage for the floating dock. Engineering can finalize drainage, elevations and a benefit‑cost justification for grant applications.
After lengthy discussion the group voted to approve a motion stating the concept is consistent with the LWRP and to ask staff to work with the grant writer and engineering to develop a formal funding application. The motion passed by voice vote. Pursuing grants may include using project text already in the LWRP as narrative justification and preparing a scoped budget that accounts for parking, planting and maintenance costs.
Why it matters: The launch would create additional public water access on the island’s East side, reduce long shore gaps in the paddling network and support ecotourism and trail connections. Members noted neighbors’ privacy concerns and asked staff to document maintenance and insurance implications before the town commits funds.
Next steps: The advisory board asked staff to draft an application package with engineering estimates and a benefit‑cost justification for potential Greenway and CFA grant sources and to return with a formal scope for town board approval.
