BY VINCE ECHAVARIA
Staff Writer
KEYPORT — The Borough Council is one step closer to bringing commuter ferry service back to Keyport.
The council held a public hearing Feb. 17 to allow residents to voice their comments on its application to the state for permanent diversion that would pave the way for commuter ferry service in the borough. The permanent diversion would allow for the ferry to dock off the bulkhead on American Legion Drive with the use of a barge, but it would not be able to use the municipal pier, Borough Attorney Wesley Kain said.
"The plan is to see whether we can go forward with the stage we’re at," Kain said. "If it’s not approved, we won’t ask for bidding [from potential ferry service providers]."
The current, limited diversion is good for only two years. The council applied for the permanent diversion so it would not be limited.
"If the council chooses, it will be allowed to bid for service off the bulkhead," Kain said.
Mayor John Merla said the permanent diversion is the first step in the process to see if state Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program would even allow the ferry service to dock off the bulkhead, which is not used for recreational purposes. State approval is required because waterfront improvements are funded by Green Acres.
"I think it might be a little ‘cart before the horse,’ because there’s a lot of stuff going on the waterfront," resident Andrew Willner said.
The American Legion Drive bulkhead, funded by the Green Acres Program, is expected to be replaced in the near future, and the borough is working on a waterfront redevelopment plan.
"If [the diversion is] granted, it will allow the ability to consider a ferry for the long-term development of the area," Kain said. "It gives more flexibility to attract a ferry company."
The council has been successful in applying for diversions in the past. A diversion granted in October, allowed for the commuter ferry service to dock at the municipal pier, but was limited to two years, he said. Another diversion, from June, allowed for the use of 150 parking spaces off American Legion Drive for two years, Kain said.
Keyport last had a ferry service in 2002 with New York Fast Ferry Services Inc., but it was later suspended. Merla said the reason services have failed in the past is because they were prematurely installed, but a new ferry service will benefit the community.
"This ferry service lease is different than the last because it’s more recreational, which will bring growth," he said.
The Circle Line, a New York City-based sightseeing ferry service, has expanded into commuter ferry service last year and is interested in providing service to the borough. Kain said Circle Line approached the borough a few months ago and was the first company to discuss the possibility of docking off the bulkhead.
"We like the location of Keyport," said J.B. Meyer, Circle Line president. "We want to work with people who want to build a partnership, so it was a natural fit for us."
Meyer said Circle Line would use a $3.5 million Patriot vessel that seats 215 people, for the service. The company would also bring in a 30- by 80-foot barge that would abut the bulkhead for the boat to dock and would not require dredging, he said.
Parking is a concern for some residents. They said they want to ensure it will be available for commuters. Other residents said the lack of a comprehensive plan addressing the ferry service by the council is shortsighted.
"This is premature and you don’t have a plan," Michael Lane said.
Although Kain said there is no time limit for the diversion application, it would be beneficial for the council to have the option to move forward with the plan.
"Why don’t we find out if we can do it to begin with?" resident Tim Hetzel asked.
The council expects a decision on the matter next month, Kain said.