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The Town of Cortlandt will hold a dedication ceremony Thursday at 4 p.m. for its new boat launch, which will be open to all residents.
The launch, which is located at Cortlandt Waterfront Park off Riverview Avenue in Verplanck, is on a parcel of land owned for many years by late resident Jim Martin, who ran a seaplane base on the property. Martin entered into a life estate agreement with the town in 1992, according to Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi.
"We had agreement with him that when he passed away the land would be transferred to the Town of Cortlandt," Puglisi said. During that time, his benefit was that he didn't pay any town taxes on the property."
Martin passed away a little over seven years ago. There are several mobile homes on the property that will be forced to relocate in three years under the town's agreement with Martin, Puglisi said.
The property is a rare find for the town because it is one of the few waterfronts in the area without train tracks running through it, Puglisi said.
"The town board approved it unanimously and councilman Frank Farrell in particular has been working on this boat launch with me and our town engineers and our recreation department."
Owners of boats up to 22 feet long can launch boats from the new facility for $100 a year, while owners of smaller boats and kayaks will pay $50 for a yearly pass. Croton and Buchanan village residents may also apply for permits. Permits must be obtained through the town clerk's office.
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