The Debate Continues: Boats, Or Parking Spaces?

It's likely one of the most polarizing issue in Piermont right now:

Yesterday evening, Piermont's village board delved further into the issue and discussed possible solutions with residents. No official decision was made—it will be put to a vote at the Sept. 21 board meeting.

The board elaborated on the two possible relocation plans presented at last month's meeting: moving the PRC to Parelli Park, or onto a nearby grassy field.

Village officials determined Parelli Park could house the facility if the park's fence were moved 10 feet east and a new gate installed. No trees would have to be eliminated, Christopher Sanders, Piermont's mayor, noted.

The nearby grassy field could house the facility only if it were renovated and overhauled, Sanders continued.

Mayor Sanders also noted a $4,500/year lease for a three-year period would most likely be implemented.

Though no decision was reached, relocating the PRC to the grassy field was a popular sentiment among board members. Mayor Sanders introduced the idea of moving the PRC to the field but waiving their lease; in turn, the PRC would pay the costs of renovating the area.

During the public comment portion of the night, Ellen Hart, president of the PRC, introduced a proposal on behalf of the rowing club.

"I think there is a solution that will yield eight spots while still letting us stay in the position we're in," Hart told the board.

Hart suggested rearranging the current configuration in a fashion that allows for the boat rack to stay while still creating more parking room.

"We're reluctant to take away green space in Parelli Park," Hart added. "I think this is a solution that's trying to split the baby both ways."

The board noted they will examine Hart's proposal.

Throughout the night, Piermont officials, residents and rowing club members expressed their personal opinions on the issue.

Sanders—who wants the PRC to remain where it is—explained that when the parking lot was built, the village's planning board rejected the idea of using it for 100 percent parking.

"It'd would have been like creating a mall parking lot," Sanders said. "We didn't think it was appropriate for the Village of Piermont."

Village Trustee Audie Moran disagreed.

"Eight parking spots in Piermont is a lot," she said.

Without sufficient parking, merchants cannot operate, Moran added.

Piermont resident Elyse Knight, who supports the PRC remaining where it is, noted the facility brings boaters from out of town who in turn patronize restaurants.

"Maybe we shouldn't have so many events that attract so many people," Knight added, referring to the need for parking. "After all, we [the taxpayers] are in fact subsidizing whatever happens."

Richie Stark, another Piermont resident, suggested the village take a closer look at the property deeds and legal issues.

"I like the rowing club being here, but the village should look at what the property was originally deeded for," Stark said.

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Correction: An earlier edition of this story misquoted Trustee Audie Moran. The error has been remedied.