Alderman Cohen Calls For Moratorium On Maritime Development in Eastport

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- In a letter to the Board of Port Wardens, Alderman Josh
Cohen (D-Ward 8) yesterday called for an immediate and limited moratorium on
maritime development in Ward 8.

"Annapolis lacks a comprehensive plan for its harbors and waterways," Cohen
wrote.  "We should develop a comprehensive vision first and then work our
way backwards to determine if specific applications are consistent with that
vision.  Right now we are doing the reverse, approving applications for
piers, boatlifts and other construction without a clear picture of how they
impact on the overall use and character of our waterways."

In his letter to Gene Godley, chairman of the Board of Port Wardens, Cohen
offered a proposal for how such a moratorium would work, stating "these
parameters are specific, limited and fair to all parties."

1. It applies equally to all waterfront properties in Ward 8, both
residential, maritime and commercial;

2. It has an end date of February 28, 2003;

3. It applies to applications for expansion of an existing footprint and for
new uses, e.g. boatlifts; and

4. It exempts repairs, maintenance and stabilization of existing
construction, and reconfiguration of existing construction within its
current footprint.

Two years ago, then-mayor Dean L. Johnson appointed a Harbors
and Waterways Committee comprised of volunteer citizens representing
residents, businesses and the maritime community.  The committee met twice,
then stopped meeting.  Just recently the city reconvened this committee and
set a timeline for it to issue its recommendations by the end of 2002.

It would take several months for the city council to adopt a moratorium
legislatively.  By then several new applications could have gotten approved.
Specific items that have caused concern within the community include recent
applications for piers with boatlifts and a proposal by the Eastport Yacht
Club to extend its marina 100 feet into the mouth of Spa Creek.  The urgency
for the moratorium is to enable the Harbors and Waterways committee to
complete its work prior to approving new applications.