Long list of projects could change face of marina

Commission considers capital improvements, to weigh in on master plan that calls for redesign of harbor
By 
KRISTYN HALBIG ZIEHM
Ozaukee Press staff

PORT WASHINGTON - A long list of capital projects under consideration for the coming years could change the face of the Port Washington marina.

The list, discussed by the Harbor Commission on June 24, includes such items as expanding the north marina building to add a lounge and additional amenities and resurfacing the marina parking lot.

But, Ald. Mike Gasper suggested that the commission look not just at the list of proposed capital projects but also the city’s downtown master plan, which includes suggestions for sweeping changes to the waterfront.

“The downtown plan had a lot of stuff that sounded good, and some stuff this board might not be happy with,” Gasper said.

While the Harbor Commission may not have direct control over all that’s included in the downtown plan, Gasper, a member of the commission, said that members “can still register an opinion about what will work and what we like.”

Now is the time to review the plan, Gasper said, noting that the marina debt service will be paid off in 2020 and big-ticket items take time to plan.

That review will be on the agenda for the commission’s July meeting, Harbormaster Dennis Cherny said.

City departments have been asked to draft five-year capital improvement plans, and Cherny presented a preliminary list to the commission, asking them to come up with other ideas to be included.

One of the major items, he said, is resurfacing the parking lot, which was built when the marina opened in 1982 and was just resealed.

That can’t be done again because of its condition, Cherny said, adding “it’s imperative we do this in the next three years.”

The cost, he said, is estimated at $500,000.

The marina needs to replace the fuel lines and dispensers at the fuel dock as well, he said, something that was initially planned for last year when the tanks were replaced. That work was delayed because of the $150,000 to $175,000 cost.

Replacing the shingles on the north marina building roof and possibly expanding the structure is another item on the list. Cherny said the roof alone will likely cost $30,000, adding expansion would probably push the cost to about $1 million.

While that may seem like a pipe dream, he said, “We want to put the numbers out there so the city knows what’s on our mind.”

The decking along the north slip should also be replaced in the coming years, although Cherny said that probably won’t be needed for five years or so.

And the retaining wall at the north end of the marina is starting to collapse and needs to be taken down and replaced, Cherny said.

“That seems to be a priority over a lot of these things,” he said, given the condition of the wall.

The marina Wi-Fi system should also be replaced, and Cherny said he is contemplating doing this when the parking lot is reconstructed. At that point, he said, it could be hardwired.

The list of projects is “ambitious,” Commission Chairman Jerry Gruen Jr. said.

“I do think the (retaining) wall is a priority,” he said, a sentiment shared by most other members. “Is the rest of the wall all right?”

“For now,” Cherny said, adding that if city crews are available to do the work, the project could be done next spring.

“We may do it earlier if we have construction people available,” he said.

City Engineer Roger Strohm suggested that the work may be able to be done late this fall.

Gruen suggested the city look for grants to help cover at least a portion of the cost of the many items on the list of projects.

“This is an expensive list here,” he said.

Assistant Harbormaster Lisa Rathke noted that the marina has a healthy reserve fund that could be used for some of the projects.

Feedback:

Click Here to Send a Letter to the Editor

Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

CONNECT


User login