Quite the crowd of concerned downtown merchants and frequent users of our village dock at tonight's hearing. Those that spoke include Pat Simpson, who also read a letter from *Mike Bresnahan, Ron Thomson, Paul Coleman, Bob Peach, Steve Cavallario, Suzie Keeler, and several others. *Pat spoke with great passion regarding the proposed fees. *Ron approached the fees from a very logical economic view point. All in all everyone raised some outstanding points. This was a hearing where a lot of ideas were exchanged and as a result, a committee was formed to solve issues that were discussed tonight. If, in the past you only pretended to listen to one of these audio's, then I strongly suggest that you listen to this one closely.
*most noteworthy....
There is a slight pause after you hit the play button....please be patient it will start in a few seconds...
*most noteworthy....
There is a slight pause after you hit the play button....please be patient it will start in a few seconds...
20 comments:
Pat Simpson did s GREAT job of representing the view of ALL A-Bay businesses. Let's hope a mutually beneficial solution will be found between the Committee and the Village Board.
So- I come over every day to get my mail( I live on Tennis island)and many times stop for a bite, do a little shopping etc., and it's going to cost me $5.00 to do that- I will not do that. I will change my mail to Wellesley Island and eat at home. Oh, I do donate at least $15 / per month for dockage. if this goes to a fee base, they will lose the donation, and I will not pay $15
for 3 visits to the Bay. I will go elsewhere.
Ron Mowers
Audio comes and Goes?
Sounds ok to me! It all depends on the location of the person speaking. Pat was very close....everyone else was in the back. Could also be your internet connection..
In a town that is known throughout the region as having the worst parking meter Nazi's in NY, I see no real difference in them continuing their ways at the dock. It is the same issue, just put a life vest on the obnoxious little guy and let him have at it.
So, if they pay 2 people $8.00 bucks an hour for 8 hours thats $128.00 bucks a day. They could lose money on this deal if everyone boycotts the town dock and they will. BAD IDEA.....!!!!!
Everyone I've talked to plans to boycott the town dock if there is a charge.........period
Name the dock after the Mayor and it will be free for all to use.
Sheesh! If your coming over "for a bite" why not just have "your bite" at one of the many waterfront resturants with FREE dockage?
I can mention SEVERAL in case you don't know of any!
Docks ain't free, Parking ain't free and if $5 bucks is too much STAY HOME!
Many times I do eat at the waterfront restaurants, but would it be fair of me to tie up at THEIR dock while I do other errands? I guess in your world that would be ok?
But no, I will not take advantage of the "free" dockage unless I am actually spending money at that establishment while my boat is at their dock.
By the way, "Anon. Sheesh", where is YOUR signature?
Ron Mowers
It's really sad to see a town nickel and dime it's tourists to death.
"30 years of visiting abay"
They should charge $500.00 day so I can have the whole dock to myself.......and only have pretty girls in mini skirts be the deck hands.
Dave Dillenbeck
Seems to me that the town dock should absolutely be charging for overnight usage. Seems fairly standard to me that if you tie up and spend the night you should pay $30 or $40 bucks. I don't think the upside of charging $5 for dockage beats out the negative feelings it will create among the people who use it the most. I know that island residents will try and limit the amount of trips to the town dock if it turns out to be a hassel. I have 2 kids and I know that I will think twice about running into town to grab and ice cream, or have breakfast if I have to think about finding $5. More than the money, it's the pain in ass factor involved. I know my $20 breakfast, or $5 ice cream doesn't make the world go round, but the unintended consequences of making the town dock less inviting might really add up.
Today we visited one of the restaurants and tied up at their dock. As we looked UP at their dock and tried to figure out how we were going to get up there, we discussed the $5 dock fee because it would've been a little easier to get up onto the Village dock, (not much, but a little). Would we pay it? Probably not and we live here. The "dock" situation altogether is a pain in the butt. The water level is so low you are lucky if you can get out of your boat up onto a dock whether it be free or otherwise.
All depends where you are coming from, Clinton. People from the Bay pay $2.25 to visit Joey's or Wells Island Bldg Supply, or nearly five bucks to go to the "Charity Casino" in Gan.
Nobody "grabs" an ice cream, they order an ice cream and savor it. Same with a good breakfast.
I hope the $5.00 fee is just a stalking horse and the true intention is simply to gauge the public support for a fee.
Remember, there are a lot of village people who could care less about the dock and they are talking to their councilpersons about it.
My suggestion is to erect a progress board on the dock, depicting the repairs, costs and hurdles involved with getting the job done timely, and solicit donations for parking. If this doesn't raise any money, then look at other options.
I don't believe creating a new bureacracy for the collection of fees is a good idea either.
AND $5.00, compared to a quarter in a parking meter is a little stiff.
Status Quo...the best solution.
Here we go again. New dock, same ol lack of control!!! As I sat and looked out over the railing I noticed Jet Ski's and small boats tie up near the shore. Most of the were spread out so the bigger boats couldn't get in. I understand the docks aren't attended yet but this seams to be the same mis-managed Abay dock from past years.
We need more attendants who can be trusted to charge required over night fees, Keep smaller crafts and bigger crafts tied so there is more room available.
Last year, getting tickets was a joke because the majority of the boats never paid at all!!! Who's running this operation? anyone with common sense?? I doubt it
The suggestion about a progress board makes the most sense. Everyone I talked to would rather make a voluntary donation rather than have a fee shoved down their throat. You'll find people can be very generous if they are given the opportunity to think and act for themselves. You may even get money from the tourists who like to sit on the dock and watch the boats come in. Throw in some pictures of the docks of yesteryear for some added interest.
I would think given the economic climate of the last few years, and the forecast for the coming years, the Village of Alexandria Bay would do everything in it's power to promote the town and welcome it's visitors. The negative impression the dock fees have given the village, has been a huge controversy for years. Look at the village dock on almost any Saturday night at 10, it used to be full, what did it look like last summer? Look at the bigger picture, what does the dock fee say to the town's patrons. Come spend your money, but give us more. In light of the economy, people are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, not pay extra fees. Ask yourself, why come to Alexandria Bay, what do I get, besides an empty wallet. I grew up in the "Bay", I worked there, I know that most people think of tourists as a necessary evil. That is the thinking that has driven people to look other places to spend their money. Step back, take a hard look, and ask yourself---First thing you see when you get to the dock, is some kid asking for money, I am coming back?
The docks should pay for themselves. I as a resident should not have to fund the VISITORS to enjoy the river. as a resident I will have to pay twice to use the docks. Why is it fair that I pay taxes to upkeep the docks and then pay fees too? You noticed the business owners (lobbiests) did not push any break to overnighters. That is because they compete with their hotels. It is wrong to expect village residents to pay for something in order for business owners to make money. Have them pay, offer a validation. Give residents of the village a free parking pass but dont charge us and have us fund it with taxes too. We live here all year. What is the mayor going to tell me they cant afford? What is the village board going to cut for residents to make up the shortfall.
Every village resident needs to go to the meeting June 8th for public comment. Not just those who benefit from the dock. How many of these business owners own their home outside the village. I am sick of special interests making me pick up the tab for their profits.
Do the right thing mayor and look after the residents of the village and not special interests.
Dean Erck
June 3, 2010 7:30 AM
Word verification
Pat Mowers
You are not a village resident. You do not pay village taxes. Why should I pay twice? why should I pay for a dock I do not use. Use the docks pay the fee. it is the same everywhere. Only in the bay is it expected I as a resident pay for the fun of people who do not live here year round.
Pat Simpson is a great rep for business but not so much for the people who live in the village.
Dont like it dont come. Your expectation that I pay for your fun needs to stop. It is sad that rich people who can afford so much expect much less afluent people to pay for their fun.
Dean Erck
Ron, Dean, and Anonymous,
Everything you have said are valid opinions. It is obvious there is no simple solution to this complex issue. The public hearing regarding this will be Tuesday June 8th @ 5pm. I would hope that everyone from all sides will attend and be heard......if you feel that strongly but do not go to the meeting....then shame on you
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