Dems reject move to moor ferry in Keyport harbor Merla proposes local berthing weekdays, but mayor objects

Staff Writer

By Elaine van develde

Dems reject move to moor
ferry in Keyport harbor
Merla proposes local
berthing weekdays,
but mayor objects

KEYPORT — Just when it seemed like the ferry business was set for smooth sailing, a motion was made to change the previously unchallenged berthing plans.

From the onset of entertaining any ideas of having a ferry in Keyport, one condition of setting the service in motion was that the boats would be berthed elsewhere. Everyone seemed to be in agreement that this would be the best way to enhance waterfront recreational opportunities without infringing on residents’ access to the pier.

As the Borough Council tightened up some contract parameters at its Nov. 20 meeting, however, Councilman John Merla suggested having the ferry berth in the borough harbor on weekdays.

"I don’t see a problem with the boat being berthed at the pier after 8 p.m. at night until 6 a.m. the next day, Monday through Friday," he said. "It’s just water. The boat couldn’t hurt anything sitting there. It’s dark five months out of the year after 8 p.m."

Caught by surprise, Mayor Kevin Graham said, "It was always our understanding that the boat would not be moored in Keyport. It’s always been clear that facilities here would only be used for drop-off and pick-up."

Merla feels docking the boat at the pier will make the waterfront more attractive.

Councilwoman June Atkins agreed, calling the boat a draw that "will attract people to come and see what it’s all about."

But Graham said, "If the boat were berthed permanently at the pier, it would completely obscure the view of Manhattan that many people like to sit and enjoy."

Borough Attorney Gordon Litwin also expressed concern about Green Acres implications in keeping the boat docked at the pier.

Since Green Acres partially funded waterfront improvements, officials with the department must be apprised and approve of any use of the waterfront, ensuring no interference with borough residents’ recreational and open space opportunities.

Litwin said that if the matter were to be considered, Green Acres officials would have to be consulted. He and other council members, however, feel that going back to Green Acres after approvals are already in the works will create a major hindrance in bringing the ferry to town.

"I don’t see what the big deal is in allowing the boat to stay there," said Merla.

"What do we have to gain by having it there is the question," countered Graham.

Merla maintained that having the boat berthed at the pier on weekdays would benefit the borough. He made a motion for the borough to check with Green Acres to get the agency’s opinion on keeping the boat docked at the waterfront, Monday through Friday, for the first year trial period of the lease.

The council voted 2-2, with Graham voting against the motion and breaking the tie.

Councilman Wade Pedersen said he was voting no because he opposed using the pier at all. "The pier is for recreation, not business," he said.

Councilman Joseph Wedick also voted no, saying that there was no reason to bother Green Acres with the request unless a contracted ferry company asked to have the condition included in their contract.

Both Atkins and Merla voted yes on the proposition because they believe the boat would attract positive attention to Keyport.

With Councilman Robert Bergen absent, the vote was deadlocked at 2-2. Graham broke the tie with his vote.

"I can’t believe that this was even brought up for discussion," said Graham, voting against the motion.

"The last thing the public wants to see is a vessel that size blocking their view. I believe most people would be outraged by such a proposal. This is why, from the onset, that a condition of any ferry coming to town was that it be berthed elsewhere. How could parking a monstrous vessel parallel to the pier not impinge our residents’ rights?"

A couple of audience members spoke up, saying that anything could be an improvement to the present condition of the pier. They called it a disgrace and said it attracted a lot of out-of-town, bad elements. They thought that the ferry’s presence might deter destruction and a bad crowd.

Graham disagreed saying that many old-timers enjoy a stroll on the pier and the view.