HomeMy WebLinkAboutAbutter letter-June 30 202330 June 2023
Yarmouth Town Hall
Division of Natural Resources
Attn: Mr. William Bonnetti, Director
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
cc via: bbonnettig Yarmouth. ma. us
Dear Mr. Bonnetti,
We have very recently become aware of a request to install a new fixed pier dock structure
with a boat lift into the navigable waters of the Mill Creek waterways at location of 52 Prince
Road, Yarmouth MA by Paul and Nancy Cruz.
I hereby respectfully call attention, with grave concern, to the problematic location for the
proposed structures and boat lift. As shown on the drawings, this structure would intrude more
than 77 feet into the waterways, at the top of the creek and at the narrow intersection point
where the creek meets the body of water known locally as "the back bay".
For the record I am 3rd generation water front property owner in West Yarmouth along Mill
Creek. Our family and friends have enjoyed the wildlife as well as the seasonal cycles of
recreating and navigating these wonderful waters since the 1920's. As well, my professional life
has been devoted to all matters of the recreational marine industry; including water front
management and harbor planning.
While we do not deny anyone's' rights for water access or to share and enjoy this corner
tributary of Lewis Bay; the proposed location for these structures will pose significant
navigational and safety hazards to boaters. At this constricted confluence point, the deep water
or channel has proven to move back and forth significantly both easterly and westerly over
time.
Installation of the proposed dock structures in this location will unequivocally narrow and
prevent safe access to the bay or the creek in both directions of travel, daily with each tide
cycle. As well, dependent upon the channels (deepest water) location, the dock would impede,
or at least create a choke point; and prevent safe navigation within the deepest parts of the
creek. It is important to note that this area is the only access to Lewis Bay for the mooring field
for both recreational and commercial vessels.
The drawings appear to show that the proposed structure sticks out into the thoroughfare
significantly; much more so than existing docks to the south. In the dark or in conditions of
limited visibility this hazard would only be increased.
In this circumstance there is a ready solution to maintain both access and safe navigation for all
vessel traffic and to allow property owners water access; where the contractor could install this
proposed structure on the northern face of his property, where it would go directly into the
back bay and not create navigation or safe access hazards at this critical location of the Mill
Creek waterway.
I have spoken with other property owners as well as other boaters that use these waters
including those that have moorings in the Back Bay. They have shared similar and strong safety
concerns for this proposal. However, due to the fact that they and I are not abutters; it has only
come to our attention recently and with minimal opportunity to speak as one.
I respect and thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Town and trust that you would review
this application with these serious concerns in mind.
I am available at any time to provide further information or answer any questions.
Thank you for your time.
Sin rely,
Richard Egan
8 Sagamore Road
West Yarmouth, MA 02673
cc:
Town Administrator Mr. Robert Whritenour rwhritenour@yarmouth.ma.us
Conservation Administrator Ms. Brittany DiRienzo bdirienzo@yarmouth.ma.us