Committee explores public dock, ADA launches and revenue options for Sandy Bottom Park

Ed Jackson and Dorraine Kirkmeier led a discussion on Sandy Bottom Park and lagoon access that emphasized both recreation and feasibility constraints.

Ideas the committee raised included public dock access with possible transient docking for visiting boaters and the possibility of limited metered docking to generate modest revenue for facility maintenance. The minutes also note exploring ADA-accessible canoe and kayak launch facilities and checking historical records — Ed said he has photographs showing a private dock at the site in approximately the 1950s.

Committee members cautioned that the ideas require verification of ownership, state regulatory requirements (including DEC review where applicable), environmental assessments, and funding for construction and ongoing maintenance. The notes record that the committee would need to consult the Marina about partnership interest and further investigate whether public docking is feasible within state regulations.

Next steps: research property ownership and any state or environmental rules that affect dock or launch construction; consult the Marina and relevant agencies; and evaluate funding sources if the project advances.