Piermont officials have voted to relocate the Piermont Rowing Club's boat racks in order to make room for approximately eight new parking spots.

The vote took place at yesterday's village board meeting, and is the culmination of months of debate and discussion. Officials voted three to two.

"We've diverged plenty on this issue," said Piermont's Mayor Christopher Sanders. "It's time to put this issue to rest."

Village officials cited their main reason for relocating the club's facilities as a shortage of parking spaces. Businesses in downtown Piermont require approximately 380 spaces, but there are only about 140 available, officials said.

(These numbers do not include the parking spaces in Flywheel Park, which is privately owned.)

As a result, PRC will be shifted to a close-by grassy field near Parelli Park. The club will use its own funds to develop and secure the new location; they must vacate their current location by Nov. 1.

Since the club will be carrying out the overhaul—which may run upward of $5,000, according to PRC president Ellen Hart—they will pay a reduced fee of $1,800 per year for three years.

Originally, Sanders had proposed PRC pay $4,500 to remain in their current spot, but residents and other trustees disagreed.      

Hart noted PRC is content remaining by the water.

"We're grateful to be able to have a space near the river," she said. "We're happy to work with the town to make it look beautiful."

But not all residents are pleased with the outcome.

"This is the violation of a very beautiful space," said one resident opposed to moving the racks to the field. "Is this in best interest of all citizens of Piermont, or just members of the rowing club?"

Piermont trustee Mark Blomquist responded, noting PRC is currently the only organization asking to use the space.

"Maybe in three years, if there's a kayak club interested in the property, they can merge [with PRC], or outbid them," he said.