Burlington’s Waterfront and Harbor are bustling with a variety of
watercraft and water-dependent uses. Careful consideration must be given to the
management of the potentially conflicting uses, providing access and safety for
all.
A comprehensive Harbor Plan should be developed. The Harbor Plan must be
given the highest priority and should be implemented as soon as possible before
major changes or projects with regard to boating or fishing are completed.Harbor
development and activities need to be interrelated to Waterfront development and
landside amenities. The Harbor Plan should address issues relating to breakwater
repair, modifications and expansions; harbor traffic, signage, moorings, and
regulations; and the promotion of commercial dockage. The removal of inactive
oil pump out dolphins should be investigated. Management of designated
Underwater Historic Preserves should be coordinated with the Vermont Division of
Historic Preservation.
The Harbor Plan should allow for and encourage:
- fishing from shore or boat;
- commercial fishing;
- commercial dockage;
- safe passage by small craft, whether motor, sail or paddle;
- separation of conflicting uses (e.g. motorboats and sailboats);
- facilities for visiting boaters;
- appropriate space for cruise vessels;
- use of boats as an alternative means of transportation;
- historical preservation of wrecks;
- environmental protection and cleanup; and
- a safe and pleasant waterfront.
A marina stack and store facility should also be explored. A stack and store
facility would generally serve local recreational boaters with boats up to 25
feet in length, allowing existing boat docking facilities to be modified to
accommodate a greater number of visiting boaters. In order to maintain important
views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, any "stack and store"
facility should be located perpendicular to the lake.
Perkins Pier Marina should be expanded. The expansion may require the
development of a landside breakwater structure or expansion and modification of
the existing breakwater. Changes to the breakwater would necessitate a thorough
environmental analysis.
Any improvements to Perkins Pier must include a landside master plan which
addresses traffic circulation, vehicular parking, shower and restroom
facilities, utility extensions, marina fuel and pump out stations and
landscaping of the large gravel surfaced parking lot.
Marina facilities associated with the Community Boathouse are approaching
100% build out.
Continued expansion of the Waterfront may necessitate the development of an
additional docking facility for a large capacity cruise vessel. It is unlikely
the Community Boathouse area can accommodate such a facility. The docking
facility currently used by the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise vessel is marginally
adequate for the size and capacity of that vessel.
To encourage separation of potentially conflicting uses, the Boathouse should
continue to serve as the focus of motorboat use, while the Community Sailing
Center serves as the focus for sailboats.
A study should be conducted to determine the feasibility of converting the
Boathouse to a non-floating facility in its current location. Such a study would
analyze the cost-effectiveness of maintaining a floating boathouse, and the
economies of other options.
The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center (LCCSC) is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to providing community access to the sport of sailing and
Lake Champlain. Currently located at the Moran Plant, LCCSC has proven to be a
valuable addition to the facilities offered to boaters on the Waterfront. More
than 200 children and adults learn to sail at LCCSC each summer. Currently, the
Community Sailing Center offers:
- Youth beginner & intermediate sailing instruction
- US Sailing small boat instructor certification courses
- Dinghy & keelboat rentals
- Adult dinghy & keelboat sailing instruction
- Boat storage
- Racing & race clinics
With the redevelopment of the Moran Plant, the LCCSC may be dislocated. Refer
to Element E. If that should occur, the City
should attempt to find a suitable alternative location that would allow the
Community Sailing Center to continue its activities on the Waterfront.
There is an increasing demand for lakeside access to accommodate recreational
fishing. The development of a fishing pier will help meet that demand. A likely
site for such a facility is behind the Water Treatment Plant, although it is
only one possible site where a Fishing Pier could be constructed. Before
construction begins, feasibility and design must be studied. Issues that will be
taken into account include:
- environmental impact
- cost to build
- amenities
- size
- impact of ice
- accessibility
- maintenance and life cycle costs
- costs and benefits of a floating pier versus a fixed pier
- need for storage and a secure winter berth
- appropriateness of location
- wind and wave action on the lake
Funding for this project may be available from the Vermont Department of Fish
and Wildlife.
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