Sticker Shock Gives Party Boat Pitcher Pause

A local business owner hoping to set a new course with sunset cruises in Greenport was stopped in his tracks at a Greenport Village board meeting Monday — when he heard that the seasonal rent had increased almost six times.

Bruce Garritano  came before the board to discuss his plans for a 149-passenger vessel that he'd like to dock at the village marina, offering sunset cruises, brunches, 80s events, rehearsal dinners, and other scheduled events. Garritano said he'd like to see the vessel open for business by the 2014 season.

Garritano said the plan was exactly the same as one he pitched to the board in January, 2012.

He said he'd spoken with the town attorney, had leases drawn up, and was "ready to go."

But he looked stunned when the subject of rent arose.

When the subject was first discussed three years ago, Garritano said he was told rent would be approximately $10,000 per season.

"The marina has changed," Trustee George Hubbard, Jr. said. "The marina has changed. Our position is different than it was back then."

Now, Hubbard said, rent for the vessel would be over $55,000 per season.

"I understand things have changed, and an increase is fine, but going from $10,000 to $55,000 is a huge difference in price," Garritano said.

No contacts were signed back then, Hubbard said, adding that now, the village marina brings in yachts and big money. "The situation changed."

Garritano said he was willing to move forward. "We want to be a staple here. Tens of thousands of people come here that can't get on the water. We're a seaport village that can't bring groups onto the water. I'd really like to be the one to do that for everyone."

Trustee David Murray asked where the 110 foot boat would be docked; Garritano said he hoped to tie up on the west side of the marina but would move if he had to, for Mitchell Park events.

Hubbard also said the board has received complaints from the North Ferry regarding insurance and the vessel's being docked on the west side of the marina. Others were concerned about how small boat owners at the marina would be impacted by the crowds.

Trustee Julia Robins raised parking concerns; Garritano said buses would bring groups in for private events and others could park by the railroad station.

Hours of operation would be 10 a.m. through 10 p.m., with three hour runs, with runs mainly Thursday through Sunday and others added as they came in, but none first thing in the morning or late at night, Garritano said. No tents would be set up in Mitchell Park; all scheduled events would be held on the boat.

Hubbard asked if Garritano had explored other places to dock.

"No, I want to have it at Mitchell Park," Garritano said. "I think it would be fantastic to have it here."

Trustee Mary Bess Phillips asked if Garritano was in contract for a boat.

Garritano said before he signed on the dotted line, he wanted to be sure he could bring his boat to Greenport.

Hubbard said the board would discuss the matter.

Greenport resident Garritano also runs a bike rental business and said that it was "definitely something Greenport needed; he was the former owner of the Inn at the Blue in East Marion.