Letter to the editor: Boater safety at risk

To the Editor:

For 50+ years, US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-2 volunteers have provided basic boating safety education classes, vessel safety checks, safety information to marinas, and patrol on the federally-regulated inland waterway of Cayuga Lake from their iconic small building and antenna, seasonal dock and USCG Auxiliary boat on Inlet Island. This boater safety mission is even more important as the City of Ithaca approves 5 story residential buildings up and down the West End waterfront and New York State requires boating safety certificates from motorized watercraft operators age 10 and up effective January 1, 2025.

Yet, this mission is at risk. Most recent plans for Inlet Island development show Flotilla 2-2’s home demolished for a waterfront promenade and entrance plaza for a 5 story hotel.

City of Ithaca’s “PlanIthaca” (2015) and Phase I “Waterfront Plan” (2019) call for the City to partner with USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 2-2 to provide boater safety. According to public records, “commitment…to address the US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s need to maintain its water access and continued operations” was one reason Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency recommended Common Council select the current developer.

The City of Ithaca, IURA, and the developer have the power to make this right. Now more than ever, USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 2-2 needs a home and dock from which to keep doing its work in the City of Ithaca for Cayuga Lake boaters.

Vivien E. Rose

Trumansburg, NY