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| May 05, 2024 |
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General News: My Vision-Part II Fixed vs. Floating Dock
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| Proposed Seasonal Floating Dock |
July 24, 2006
By John Wenz
A fixed dock or pier involves driving a large number of poles, or pilings, into the river bed. A permanent framework and a wood or concrete deck surface are then built on top.
It stands above the highest storm water levels and remains in place permanently. The environmental permitting process for such a project involves significant time and money. Total costs are typically several million dollars for a construction project of this type. The annual maintenance expenses here on the Hudson, anticipating winter ice damage, would be quite high. This type of dock would be suitable for tour and excursion boats, but would not be practical for small craft without the addition of floating dock sections.
A floating, wave-attenuator dock is a low-profile structure which is basically tied to fixed anchor points on the river bottom. These dock sections are put in place in the Spring and removed in the Fall. An appropriate facility for Cornwall Landing would cost less than $250,000 and can be designed, permitted and installed within a short period of time. These things last 25 years or more with minimal maintenance costs and their design minimizes wave action and would create a safe small boat harbor and enable our launch ramp to be used in almost any weather. In addition, it would provide usable space on its entire length for both small boats and commercial vessels to tie-up for a visit. Should this investment prove to be a financial mistake, the dock sections could be sold to recoup some of the costs. Local examples of this type of dock would be Torches and the Front Street Marina in Newburgh. Keep in mind that we’re only looking at the larger perimeter dock sections without the secondary piers, slips, and public utility connections.
Landing vs. Marina
It’s important to note that whatever we build should enable short-term landing and tie-up only. A seasonal marina requires considerable investment for infrastructure and parking which is just not at all practical for our current circumstances. Residents who so desire would be able to keep boats on permanent anchors called moorings much like they do in harbors all over the world; like at the Nyack or Chelsea Yacht Club, for example. Boaters wishing to spend the night here would be welcomed to use a designated anchorage area, perhaps south of the Cornwall Yacht Club and use the landing for their dinghy. We could also provide overnight rental moorings, for a fee.
How Do We Pay For This?
These days many people have home mortgages larger than $250,000; so I don’t think that’s an intimidating amount. The benefits of this project appear to be right in line with the stated purpose of our Local Development Corporation, so perhaps they ought to take this on. Other municipalities have financed this type of project through similar means; heck, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was built entirely with private funds by a business development organization! Once it’s up and running, Cornwall Landing will generate a certain amount of revenue through landing fees, etc. Perhaps those businesses which will benefit most can make a small surcharge contribution, say $1 per restaurant meal for example. Operation and maintenance of the town landing can be performed by a volunteer organization such as the Cornwall Baymen’s Association. Across the river, the Beacon Sloop Club provides voluntary stewardship of their waterfront.
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