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Residents urge caution over Safe Harbor marina expansion under new ownership
Summary
Residents told the Wareham Select Board that a proposed expansion of the Safe Harbor marina, now owned by Blackstone, risks harming Onset Bay and the town’s character and criticized lack of communication from the marina operator.
Residents at Wareham’s Jan. 6 select board meeting pressed the town and upcoming review boards to scrutinize a proposed expansion of the Safe Harbor marina and criticized the new private owner’s communication with neighbors.
“It's going to, negatively impact the character of the town,” Tim Bigelow said, citing concerns that the expansion is "way beyond what is appropriate" and warning it could “negatively impact the environment of Onset Bay.” Bigelow said the marina, now operated by a company owned by Blackstone, has a history of pushing beyond requirements and that neighbors will mount “a very vigorous campaign.”
Rebecca Hemsley, speaking for the neighborhood, told the board residents want reasonable renovations but said Safe Harbor has been "not communicative" and "not transparent with the process," adding they have not been notified or engaged by the operator.
Neighbor Frank Guoli reported light and water pollution and said he believes work has occurred in a "no work area" near the water; he said he has called the fire department and harbor master and will not let his grandchildren swim in front of his house.
Tom Daley, a past president of the Nanumet Heights Beach Association, urged that the town consider a master plan for the marina area rather than approving piecemeal changes, citing recent safety issues and the need for coordinated public review.
The chair and other board members noted the matter will go to the Conservation Commission and planning board; one resident clarified that the conservation review has been rescheduled into February. The board did not take any formal action on the marina at the meeting.
Why it matters: The marina borders residential neighborhoods and sensitive waters in Onset Bay; residents said they fear environmental harm and loss of neighborhood character if large-scale expansion proceeds without fuller local input and enforcement of existing wetlands and harbor protections.
What’s next: Several public commentators said they will follow the Conservation Commission and planning-board hearings and hold the town and applicants accountable; the select board did not make a formal decision at the Jan. 6 meeting.
