By Nathan Duke
Community Board 11 members said they were concerned that new plans for the Bayside Marina could potentially include repairing boats along the docks and selling alcohol at the site, but a city Parks Department spokeswoman said any changes to the Little Neck Bay area are merely in the proposal stage.
The Parks Department put out a request for proposal for the site in October and all proposals must be in by Nov. 26, said Janice Melnick, the northeast Queens parks administrator.
She said the department would look favorably on a proposal to store and repair canoes and kayaks at the marina if the city receives an acceptable proposal to do so at the site. She said the city would also allow alcoholic beverages to be sold at the marina if the concessionaire obtains the proper state liquor permits. She said she expects a new proposal for the site to be in effect by spring, but the marina’s operations should not change drastically.
The marina’s current concessionaires, Martin Munch and James Miranda, have said they will rebid for a new lease, but they believe boat repair at the site would be detrimental to the community. Munch said beer is currently served at the marina’s snack bar, but he does not plan to apply for a full liquor license.
CB 11 District Manager Susan Seinfeld said the board opposed expanding the service of alcoholic beverages at the site.
“They serve beer now, but I told them the board would be vehemently against their serving liquor,” she said.
Other board members said they did not believe any alcohol should be served at the site.
“They should not sell beer or liquor,” said Frank Skala, a CB 11 board member and president of the East Bayside Homeowners Association. “Booze and boats together lead to horrendous accidents.”
At CB 11’s monthly meeting earlier this month, board members also said they were concerned that boat repair along the dock could prevent safety hazards for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Melnick said the Parks Department would sign a 15−year lease with a concessionaire after all proposals are reviewed. She said there will be no room to expand the marina’s parking lot, which currently has 70 parking spaces.
The new concessionaire would also be responsible for upgrading the marina’s snack bar which “is in need of substantial renovation,” according to the RFP.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e−mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 156.
