Public Hearing for Greenport-Sag Harbor Ferry Set for Tuesday

Discussion over a passenger ferry linking Sag Harbor and Greenport has inspired discussion on both sides of the Peconic Bay in recent months, and residents have another opportunity to let their voice be heard on Tuesday afternoon.

While business communities on both sides of Shelter Island have expressed support for the idea of a ferry directly linking the two villages,  and Sag Harbor have brought parking concerns to the fore.

 is proposing the project, and owner Geoff Lynch said he is hoping to partner with local school districts to lease parking spaces for ferry customers. Though if parking - among other things - can't be worked out, the project wouldn't even move forward. It's been proposed as a one-year, pilot project and would be expected to last from shortly after Memorial Day through October.

“If negatives outweigh the positives, we’ll drop it,” Lynch said at the Greenport hearing.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Riverside in front of the Suffolk County Legislature to hear comments related to a ferry license and the proposed rates ($11 one-way, $20 round-trip). Public hearings begin at 2:30 p.m.

According to Sag Harbor Village Attorney Fred Thiele, approval for a special permit would be necessary on the south side. A permit for a platform from the Department of Environmental Conservation may be necessary too, he said, adding that Sag Harbor Trustees are expected to vote on the measure in May.

Informally polled in March, a 

A second public hearing in Greenport is scheduled for May 10 at the red schoolhouse.