Small boat hoist approved

Unfortunately, Seafarers’ Memorial Park will be closed to small boat access in June for a planned environmental cleanup of the former Scott Paper Mill site. That work is expected to take two years.

The issue of the hoist had been on the Port Commissioners March 5 agenda, but was pulled at the request of Commissioner Steve Hopley, pending an agreement with the city over public access issues.

But, Commissioner Pat Mooney brought the issue back up and said the small boat community had been waiting long enough for the hoist.

Anacortes Small Boat Center member John Pope said “The decision is a great early indication of the commission’s faith in the current processes with the City and their commitment to the small boater in current port planning.”

The Small Boat Center group has been pressing for more access to waterfront areas for small boaters.