Borough OKs $5-million Bond To Fund Back Bay Dredging

STONE HARBOR – Stone Harbor Borough Council had the final reading and adoption of a $5-million bond ordinance Sept. 1 aimed at supporting the plan for back bay dredging. The intent was to make the award to a contractor quickly and be in position to take advantage of the short dredging period allowed by state regulations beginning Sept. 15.
The slow pace of gaining necessary permits was the cause of extended discussion at the council meeting. Council member Barry Mastrangelo expressed cautionary remarks advising a slowdown in making the award until the borough knows if the permits from the Army Corp of Engineers will be forthcoming.
Mastrangelo said council remains committed to the project and to using the allowed period from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31 this year. He said that left over state and federal work from Superstorm Sandy may be the holdup in the permits.
His concern is that the borough not dredge areas without firm assurance that the main channels will also be dredged.
When asked if there was a timetable for the response on the permits, he indicated that the borough has been told repeatedly that it will be soon. Passing the bond ordinance allows the borough to be prepared to act quickly with a contractor if the permit issue can be resolved prior to September 15.
Waterfront Business District
Council introduced on first reading an ordinance that modifies existing regulations in the waterfront business district. The changes, recommended by the Planning Board, focus, in large part, on residential units in mixed use buildings, something prohibited by the existing ordinance.
The new ordinance would permit more three-story structures with residential uses permitted on the second and third floors. Regulations for setback related to the three-story structures and noise abatement requirements for outdoor dining areas have also been added to the ordinance.
The ordinance will have a public comment period prior to its final reading and possible adoption.
Special Events
The borough will also host its Sept. 11 Remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. in front of its Freedom Park Memorial, 96th Street and Seng Place.
One highlight of this year’s event will be a talk by a survivor of one of the towers who is a frequent summer visitor to the borough.
Council approved the special event application from the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce paving the way for the Sept. 19 wine, beer and food event. 
This is the fourth annual occurrence of an event that has quickly become a popular way for visitors to make a late fall visit to the borough.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.