Some changes might be coming to Darien Harbor over the next few years. The heads of the Darien Boat Club say they are in the planning stages of a possible dock expansion. The group took its proposal to the Advisory Commission on Coastal Waters Wednesday night, but have not made an official decision yet.
The Darien Boat Club admits all applicants, as long as they are residents of the town. They currently have more than 800 families as members. Their space now includes one main gas dock and five extending finger docks, with room for 250 boats. The remaining members boats are either dry-docked or in moorings. Because of limited space and low turnover, the estimated wait time for new slips is about 14 years.
Theres a strong sense that were being held accountable by our non-slip members, said DBC Commodore Chris Mangan. The group hopes to add 100 or more slips with their expansion. That would reduce the wait list by about one quarter, and cut the estimated time in half .
The club leaders assured the Advisory Commission that they do not intend to interfere with any existing docks or boat channels. In their initial plans, the new docks would leave ample room for private docks along the shore and existing moorings out in the harbor. However, the proposed changes could increase trips from the boat launch to open water by about 200 feet.
The group is now looking into the cost and regulations for dredging the harbor for the new docks. They have hired a private firm, Docko, Inc., which has already taken samples of the dredge material and spoken with the Department of Environmental Protection. However, they still have not officially started the pre-application process with the DEP.
If the association decided to go forward with their plan, residents will have opportunities to voice their concerns. Public hearings are required by the DEP as part of the pre-application process. This is not a secret project we want to rush through, said Vice Commodore David Dever.
The pre-application process could take as long as six months. Mangan could not even put an estimate on how long the entire project would take. Its the early days, he said. Were at the beginning of a multi-year project.
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