Tempers Ignite As Fireboat Remains Docked At Village Marina

A controversial fireboat that has sparked waves of discord in Greenport is still tied up at the village marina.

The board voted last month to move the fireboat to the railroad dock, despite a tide of opposition from fishermen and others in the community who raised safety and environmental concerns.

But to date, the fireboat has stayed put — and some are seeing red.

"This debacle is just another example of Mayor David Nyce pandering to a few special interest individuals," said resident John Paladino. "The resolution to move the fireboat to the railroad dock was approved at the June meeting of the Village Board by a vote of three to two. The public was heard before the vote and their concerns were addressed by the trustees. Now, three weeks later, because of a self-serving fisherman, whose only concern is his perceived fear that he lose his spot at the dock, the village board is in violation of their own resolution."

He added, "I'm not for or against the fireboat. I'm opposed to a special interest group who wants to control a village asset for personal use and gain."

Much discussion has centered on the original purpose of the railroad dock. An original agreement between Suffolk County, the Long Island Railroad, and the Village of Greenport, dated December, 1982, stated that the village "desires to obtain this real property to be used for docking of fishing and pleasure boats, fishing dock, museum, parking and roadway purposes."

The initial agreement did not state that the dock be used only for commercial purposes, as some have claimed.

According to village sources, the fireboat will be staying at the marina until Suffolk County green lights the move; county officials reportedly inspected the vessel last Friday. The fireboat has also reportedly obtained the necessary insurance required by the village and county.

Commercial fisherman Sidney Smith has protested the move to the railroad dock, stating that the fireboat poses not only a safety risk, with no inspection records onhand, but also limits his ability to engage in his business.

"The village has never upheld its waterfront revitalization program, which puts a commercial working waterfront as its top priority," Smith said. "It continues to force fisherman out of town when it claims it's a commercial fishing port. Have you ever heard of a commercial fishing dock where you cannot work?"

Nyce did not return calls for comment.