Boat Launch Changes Set For The Coming Season

Boat Launch Changes Set For The Coming Season

By Kendra Bobowick

Boaters will soon be tuning up their inboards and outboards, and planning a day afloat now that Newtown's winter-hardened lakes have warmed with spring. Launch season begins April 15, and brings with it a few differences from last year, which will become clear to boat owners as they approach the water. The fees have changed, for one.

Parks and Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian had said in a past meeting that "not one" single launch pass was purchased for the Eichler's Cove Marina. Passes were $350, while Lake Lillinonah was $45. Both season passes are now $100, and include the option of purchasing a dual permit for $150.

Boat slip rental for residents with boats under 19 feet are $1,000, and $1,200 for larger vessels. Nonresidents' fees are $1,200, and $1,450, respectively.

As the fall and winter of 2006 approached officials had considered turning Eichler's Cove Marina management over to Parks and Recreation staff for this spring.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal confirmed Tuesday that last year's management contract with previous marina owner Carol Marchetti has been renewed for another year.

Neither he nor recreation department members believe that now is the right time for the town department to assume management of the previously private marina, which is now the only public launch onto Lake Zoar.

Mr Rosenthal noted, "They would have to hire someone and they don't have enough existing personnel." He also indicated that the recreation department does not have room in its budget for the work required to renovate the swimming area and make upgrades to boat slips and the launch, among other improvements. "The selectmen are not asking Parks and Recreation to take care of something they can't take care of." He will wait to transfer management "until Parks and Recreation tells me they're ready."

The town purchased the cove from prior owner Carol Marchetti, who managed the property last year. There is also a beach and picnic area at Eichler's Cove that need to be renovated.

Recreation Chairman Edward Marks confirmed that at some future date, the management might shift to his department. "I think at some point Parks and Recreation would be ready to manage the facility." The slated repairs are not something Mr Marks wants to inherit.

He said, "Our concern is we hesitate to take over management if improvements are not done."

Devoting improvement funds from his department budget "would be tough," he explained. He would like to see renovations or money secured for intended work ahead of time, he said.

Mr Rosenthal has been considering various funding sources including the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) grants. "Mostly, we're applying for state grants," Mr Rosenthal said. The scope of work involves relocating the launch area and small office to broaden the beach, repair a retaining wall, purchase additional slips, and prepare the cove for swimmers.

"We're hoping to open the beach for this summer," Mr Rosenthal said. Since the Dickinson Pond was filled in for health reasons, residents and the Parks and Recreation Department have struggled with Newtown's swimming demands. Mr Rosenthal stressed, "I hope the public knows we're trying to do something...it's not Dickinson, but it helps. It wouldn't be a huge swimming area, but it would provide another opportunity."

Plans to make more room for boat traffic at the end of the brief and winding Old Bridge Road are also among discussions. Last year, the town purchased a small parcel near the cove's entrance, which will be used to widen the traffic area. The parcel also opens up more room for parking. Town employees will conduct as much work as possible, in the interest of saving money, Mr Rosenthal said.


Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch

Late last season residents had approached the Parks and Rec commission members with complaints that during the week, boaters from out of town and without permits were crowding the Lake Lillinonah launch and inhibiting access to residents with passes. Without the ability to police the launch, recreation members decided on a different safeguard - a lock and key issued this year to those with launch passes.

As described in the park rules for Lake Lillinonah in the Parks and Recreation 2007 Spring and Summer catalog, "Vehicles entering the park must display a current permit. Car and boat registration must be shown the first time a pass is purchased. At this time a key will be issued, which will unlock the launch gate. It will be the responsibility of the key holder to lock the gate behind them. The key is not to be shared or transferred to others." The replacement fee for lost keys is $25.