Dana Skye, 5319 Sunrise Lane, read a prepared statement in opposition to allowing the Water Ferry at Keyes Marina or at Waterline. In her opinion, neither of the two locations were appropriate. She noted that Keyes Marina is in the R-1 Residential Zoning neighborhood. In addition, Keyes Marina would be required to have appropriate Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access, additional lighting, restrooms, and a queue location for the Ferry's passengers. She felt allowing the Water Ferry at Keyes Marina would change the image of their Residential neighborhood and create additional traffic activity. It would also create a safety risk after dark.
Mrs. Skye noted that Keyes Marina channel is narrow and felt if the location were to be considered it would require a comprehensive navigation study. Also, with the location being in the R-1 District it would be a conflict with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Skye believes that the Kingfish Boat Ramp would be a better location for the Water Ferry. It allows for public access and was not embedded in residential streets. She further felt the Kingfish Boat ramp would in better alignment with the Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds that would be allocated.
Referring to the County's comment that a Water Ferry would benefit the Island employees or reduce traffic, Ms. Skye stated that in her experience, employees have consistently said they wouldn't utilize it for different reasons. As a result, it would not replace cars on the Island.
Daria Grinenko, 513 54th Street, also spoke in opposition to the Water Ferry at the Keyes Marina or Waterline location. She felt ferry users would introduce bus traffic, and the channel is very narrow and constrained. She voiced concern about the boater's safety.
Ms. Grinenko also spoke on the negative impact a Water Ferry would make on marine life, dolphins, manatees, and of the mangroves. She noted during high season, the boats already go approximately 24 times back in and out of Keyes Marina daily. Many are also those getting fuel and bait from Keyes Marina.
Ms. Grinenko recommended there be a professional evaluation relating to the volumes and district traffic flows to determine if the Keyes Marina location would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. She further noted that the area around that location is extremely busy because of the Gulf Drive traffic lights. If a Ferry was to be added at that location, there could be hundreds of pedestrians pressing the pedestrian crosswalk lights which would slow the traffic down even further.
For Site Plan approval to go forward, Ms. Grinenko recommended there be traffic study impacts, safety studies, marine life reports, and a study on the effects on the capacity with the location being next to the R-1 District.
Izzy Skye, 5319 Sunrise Lane, asked how many in attendance had been on a Water Ferry. He noted the number one customer is a senior who only comes to the Island to look around and will then leave. Typically, they do not shop or eat due to the high costs. He stated the costs were $7 per person, $4 for Senior Citizens and for 18 years or under, or $3 for a punch card pass.
The Water Ferry is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which was not consistent hours for most employees. He did not feel bringing the Water Ferry to Holmes Beach was the answer for tourism in that those coming to the Island in cars were the ones who spend the money on the Island. He further noted that the Water Ferry riders are not allowed to bring a bike, but they are allowed bags of food, a cooler, everything else for the day. Drinking is allowed on the Ferry, so all cans, bottles and trash are then left on the Island.
Mr. Skye urged the City Commission to reconsider allowing a Water Taxi anywhere else on the Island except for the R-1 district.
Discussion continued as to the number of people the County has indicated the Water Ferry is taking on and off the Island and if there is a bathroom on each of the Ferries. Chair Whitmore stated that a small Ferry service is currently operating out of Keyes Marina, she was just not sure the number of people utilizing the service.