HomeMy WebLinkAboutGreg Austin_Bonnybrook Realty Trust Pier - 185 Oceanview Avenue CotuitFrom: Greg Aus n <gregorykaus n@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 5, 2023 9:09 PM
To: Cavanaugh, Kimberly
Subject: Bonnybrook Realty Trust Pier - 185 Oceanview Avenue Cotuit
Barnstable Conservation Commission,
We are writing to strongly oppose the proposed pier extension at 185 Oceanview Avenue in Cotuit. The
proposed extension would negatively impact safety and navigation in an already narrow passage and
primary access point for Cotuit Bay. As long-time and frequent boaters in Cotuit, we are very familiar with the
proposed location and feel there are a number of arguments against, each of which stands on its own merit:
The proposed location is a narrow channel with a strong current and significant traffic at peak times. It is
very common that boats (especially sailboats, kayaks and small motorboats) must navigate outside of the
marked channel and in close proximity to the existing dock to safely avoid one another, round the point of
the island and make way to larger vessels. Any reduction in available safe waters here would be negative
to public safety.
Considerable expense and effort recently went towards the widening of the channel and waterway at
exactly this location - approving a dock extension which immediately and permanently reduces this
channel for the benefit of one user is at odds with that effort and expenditure.
Though the channel was expanded in this area recently, the point of the island continues to encroach on
the channel. It is inevitable that the channel (both navigable waters and marked) will continue to move in
the direction of the existing dock and proposed addition.
A 25ft extension reduces the available waterway by much more than a 25ft. To safely pass, boaters
would be forced to keep clear water between themselves and the new end of the dock along with anything
fixed to the dock itself. The actual encroachment on the channel is more significant than what is described
in the application.
The proposed dock is in close proximity to a public swimming beach (Riley's) which is
approximately 200ft away. Anything which contributes to congestion in this area should be avoided.
Thank you very much for your attention to this matter and for your consideration. Cotuit Bay is uniquely suited
for boating and water-based recreation as evidenced by the hundreds of boats active here throughout the
summer. All efforts should be made to protect the safety and ability of those boaters to enjoy this public
resource.
Regards,
Greg & Steph Austin
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