HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-11 Harbor Committee Minutes
City of Bangor
Harbor Committee Minutes
Meeting: Wednesday June 11, 2008
City Development Office
Committee Members in Attendance:
Daniel Cassidy; Robert Woods; Councilor Patricia Blanchette
City Staff:
Jerry Ledwith, Harbormaster; Jim Ring, City Engineer
Guests:
Shawn Mahaney, Army Corps of Engineers; Margaret Chernosky
John Hanson; Councilor Peter D’Erico; Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick
May Minutes were accepted.
1. Mapping: Margaret Chernosky presented mapping projects completed by her Bangor High Class and
possible application to other Harbor projects
1. This included a city map outlining services available in proximity to the City Docks for visiting Boaters.
This was a project by students Stephanie Comstock and Samantha Robertson. A copy will be posted in
the Harbormaster’s office to assist visiting boaters.
2. These techniques could be applied to the Harbor History Project. Margaret will collaborate with Robert
Woods as this project moves forward.
2. Army Corps of Engineers - Shawn Mahaney – Shawn presented issues regarding the Harbor and the
Corps of Engineers.
1. The original limits of the Penobscot River Navigation Project (PRNP) designates a navigable channel
approximately 450 feet wide up to the Chamberlain Bridge. No structures, including moorings, are
permitted.
2. This was modified to allow docks and moorings in 1990. That document states that “ … in the event that
the areas involved are needed to support navigation activities in the authorized project, this permit shall
become invalid…” The presence of the cruise boats is interpreted as returning this area of the river to
commercial uses, and thus invalidating this modification.
3. Current docks are barely out of the channel limits, and there is only a small segment of the opposite side
of the river for possible mooring space. If planned properly with the proper mooring gear to limit swing,
this may accommodate a number of vessels.
4. The limits of the Army Corps’ channel also affect the City’s Dunnett Cove Tar Remediation project since
portions of the contaminated area that the City is responsible for are withing the Channel, and the Corps
will not allow any filling or capping in this area. The remediation has been designated as the City’s
responsibility and not that of the Army Corps.
5. Changes to the geographic limits of the PRNP are only possible through an act of Congress. This is
possible. It would require a resolution by the City of Bangor (and Brewer for areas on their side). Work
with the Army Corps, and eventually inclusion in an Act of Congress. This would take time, but may be a
consideration. It was done here in 1990 and has been done elsewhere in Maine.
3. Harbor History Project - Robert Woods continues his research. He hopes to have some of his work
available to the committee later this summer.
4. Docks – There are 9 returning boats for seasonal space. The plan to have some free space for transient
boats will not be a problem. A low-access addition to the upsteam dock is still planned.
5. Harbor Activities - Points East Flotilla June 26; July 4; Lower Penobscot Watershed Coalition River
Revival Festival July 26
6. The Harbor Committee expresses it thanks to Margaret Chernosky and Shawn Mahaney for their
time and Presentations.
1. The upsteam dock will have a “low dock” addition on the downstream side. Gangway modifications
appear to be too complicated to carry out this season.