Controversial fuel dock construction up for vote

A fuel dock right at Sailboat Bay is being considered by the City. Discussion about this is on the City Commission agenda for Thursday, September 16. The administration is asking for permission to "borrow" $1,250,000 dedicated to the waterfront master plan for the construction of the fuel dock.

Many believe it is not needed and wouldn't be a money maker anyway. If this fuel dock is allowed, it could be the beginning of more development added to the Waterfront Master Plan now that the city is broke and in dire need of money.

In a letter sent to the Mayor, City Commission and City Manager by Village Council member Michelle Niemeyer, she says: "REJECT RE-8 on the City Commission agenda for September 16, which seeks a #10-00995 Capital Fund Amendment to transfer $1,250,000 million dollars from the Coconut Grove Implementation Plan Project (B#30182A) to the Dinner Key Fuel Dock Project (B#60465).

"This transfer is being requested in a shortsighted effort to increase City revenues by building a fuel dock which was specifically rejected by residents and boating stakeholders during the master planning process and which will, if built, endanger sailors including children in small sailboats and essentially destroy the insightful and award-winning master plan the City spent $650,000 and countless hours to create.

"Furthermore, the revenue projections that have been provided to the City Manager’s office are completely unrealistic. Realistic numbers based on the experience of existing fuel facilities demonstrate the proposed fuel dock would not make enough money to justify its construction."

Coconut Grove is one of the top sailing centers in the country, host to dozens of Regattas during sailing season. There is no need for a fuel dock right in the center of pristine Sailboat Bay. It's "sailboat" bay, not powerboat bay. Two fuel docks are in Coconut Grove at Grove Harbour Marina and Grove Key Marina, they pay percentage rent on fuel sales to the City.

Michelle went on to say: "The City Manager implied to the Coconut Grove Waterfront Implementation Committee at its last meeting that the waterfront plan should be ignored, and the fuel dock built, because the construction of the planned Sailing Center is not currently funded. This master plan was never expected to be built immediately. It was expected to identify the long term uses of properties and total implementation was expected to take anywhere from 10 to 25 years, depending on funding, leases, etc. As such, it was incorporated into the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan. The Manager’s short term perspective on the proposed fuel dock demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the value of our public waterfront lands, as well as a myopic view placing a higher value on the expectation of short term returns over much greater long term benefits."

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