This new "harbor management plan" would change the unique character
of Old Harbor forever. It will remove free public access to open space,
and "overdevelops" an area used by thousands of people each summer,
putting it out of reach for most average boaters. This loss to the
boating community will forever change people's ability to simply head
out to Old Harbor for the weekend, both financially, and from a
convenience point of view. This means making expensive reservations
well in advance of a trip (keeping in mind variability of our weather).
No more rafting directly up to a group of friends' boats. Please stop
Block Island from slowly being transformed into a place where only the
rich are welcome, and turning it into a private island. These are my
points:

a) The unique charm and character of Old Harbor should be preserved,
just like a historic building or open meadow. It is a valuable asset to
Block Island, and one that adds a nautical ambiance for the tourists
arriving by ferry. It would be missed by everyone that visits the
island for generations to come.

b) It would permanently remove free public anchorage, and put this
resource under governmental management.

c) Anchoring boaters in Old Harbor do in fact contribute money to the
island's businesses and restaurants.

d) The activities of anchored/rafted boaters in Old Harbor do not
warrant the need for special safety concerns of Block Island's police
or harbor patrol any more than anywhere else on the island.

e) The price of fuel has risen dramatically, and charging $4/ft/night
slip fees for a relatively small number of slip spaces will put a trip
to Old Harbor out of reach for most average boaters and their families.


f) Old Harbor is a "Harbor of Refuge," offering safe, convenient
protection from rapidly changing weather conditions for the many
boaters that fish and cruise the area.

g) Only a very small number of boaters in Old Harbor cause
disturbances. The vast majority of boaters are peaceful, family
oriented, non-disruptive tourists. The perceived problem of boaters
causing disruptions could be solved by simply issuing citations to the
few troublemakers.

h) This expensive project will burden taxpayers with a marina that will
realistically not be able to support itself based on the preliminary
figures Harbormaster Chris Willi has presented.

Steve Felter

Uncasville, Conn.