7/24/10 — The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council will deliver a decision about the Champlin’s Marina expansion question this fall.

On July 15, the regulatory agency held its final hearing on the controversial expansion plan. CRMC Vice Chair Paul Lemont announced that the council would debate and act upon the proposal shortly after receiving the final round of legal briefs September 14.

This was the latest round in what has become a seven-year saga.

In 2003, Champlin’s originally sought to extend its docks an additional 240 feet into Block Island’s Great Salt Pond. After years of hearings, a subcommittee recommended a 170-foot extension.

The recommendation was defeated by a full CRMC vote in 2006; in 2009, a Superior Court judge granted the subcommittee’s recommended expansion.

Earlier this year, the state Supreme Court called for the matter to be sent back to the CRMC so evidence of an alternative plan could be added to the record.

Last Thursday’s hearing at Narragansett Town Hall focused on a compromise 100-foot extension drafted by CRMC dredge coordinator Danni Goulet. By dredging and expanding docks north along the shoreline, Goulet’s plan would reduce Champlin’s expansion into deep water. Both Champlin’s attorney Robert Goldberg and objectors’ lawyer R. Daniel Prentiss used their questioning of Goulet to reemphasize their opposition to Goulet’s plan — though for opposite reasons.

Prentiss, who represents the town and island environmental groups, argued that there should be no expansion whatsoever; Goldberg, on the other hand, argued that his client should be allowed to expand seaward.

Goldberg stressed that Goulet’s plan would destroy the current dinghy dock used to access moored boats, interfere with public water recreation north of the marina and not provide water deep enough for Champlin’s customers. “This area is an illusionary grant,” Goldberg told the seven-member CRMC. Champlin’s could not use the shoreline area proposed by Goulet and comply with CRMC regulations, he contended.

Goulet defended his plan saying it was only an outline and did not dictate how the marina owner should configure docks. He agreed with Goldberg, however, that other expansion plans could be designed to comply with CRMC regulations.

Prentiss countered, “The record cannot support any expansion of the existing marina,” adding that Champlin’s could use its current space more efficiently to accommodate more boats. He stressed that a dock expansion would not allow adequate room for large boats to maneuver between the marina and the town’s mooring field. Prentiss also noted that Champlin’s regularly docks boats outside its approved perimeter, inflating estimates of the number of boats which could be accomodated under Goulet’s expansion proposal. At a previous hearing, Prentiss argued that if the CRMC approves any plan other than Champlin’s original proposal, the marina would need a new certification from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management declaring that the project would not significantly harm the pond’s water quality.

Thursday’s hearing ended three days of testimony on Goulet’s plan.

At the hearing, Goldberg and Prentiss wrangled about the navigational channel between Champlin’s and the town mooring field. Prentiss repeatedly referred to the space needed for 165-foot-long mega-yachts to turn around. Goulet testified that the channel should be one and a half times the boat length, but his boss, CRMC Executive Director Grover Fugate, testified at the previous hearing that twice the boat length was preferred. Goldberg stated that a 165-foot-boat had only once docked at Champlin’s. The Montauk Ferry, which regularly docks at the marina, however, is 110-feet long. If the CRMC decides the channel should be twice 165 feet, Champlin’s would have almost no room to expand in seaward direction.

All parties to the dispute have until August 30 to submit briefs, and then another 15 days to file cross briefs. The CRMC public discussion and vote will follow shortly, Lemont said.

In an interview after the two and a half hour hearing, CRMC legal counsel Brian A. Goldman said the council could accept Champlin’s application as submitted, modify it or deny it.