Marina plan draws fire

After 20 years as a liveaboard in Eagle Harbor, Mike Martin isn’t only going ashore for good.

He’s going to the mountains, where he hopes he won’t face such a struggle.

“Too many battles on too many fronts,” Martin told City Councilors last week, of the ongoing issues between liveaboards and the state and local governments. “I’ve kind of given up.”

Not all liveaboards are ready to give up their lifestyle, but many are feeling threatened as the city considers an amendment to its Shoreline Management Master Program that wouldn’t create an open water marina in Eagle Harbor, but would allow for the possibility of one in the future. A public hearing about the change was held last week, and a special City Council workshop is scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. at City Hall.

The proposed amendment must be passed by November to meet a deadline imposed by the state Department of Natural Resources, which manages the land beneath state waters.

The most controversial part of the plan is that liveaboards – who now pay nothing to live in the harbor – would be required to pay rent of about $150 per month for a 30-foot vessel, according to Harbormaster Tami Allen.

The city and state have long struggled with how to deal with derelict vessels in the harbor, which sometimes sink or are imperiled and must be dealt with at city expense.

Some shoreline neighbors also have complained about pollution in the harbor resulting from liveaboards.

But long-time liveaboard Dave Ullin said the potential shift toward a marina is an attack on his lifestyle.

“I feel the need to stand against the tide,” he said. “If this law is enforced, I would be facing life in prison without parole.”

Feeling similar pressure, Martin finally made the decision to leave Eagle Harbor. Most at last week’s hearing spoke in defense of liveaboards, but those in favor of the marina said there is more at stake with the decision than the fate of the liveaboard community.

“I’m not against the liveaboard lifestyle,” said Wood Avenue resident Mark Woods. “I don’t think that’s what this is about.”

What it’s about, Woods said, is cleaning up a harbor that in some people’s eyes has become cluttered with imperiled or abandoned boats.

Many, though, said time is running out for liveaboards.

“I get the sense that this spells the end of the liveaboard lifestyle,” said Wallace Way resident Kim Bush. “To lose what they stand for would be a crying shame.”

“They really do represent a diverse element in our community,” said Madison Avenue resident James Patterson. “You can’t really put them into a category.”

But for Martin, who’s ready to trade his patch of harbor for isolation in the mountains, liveaboards were categorized by some long ago.

“Nothing is worse for a human being than to be told you’re scum,” he said. “After a while you start to believe it.”

– Chad Schuster

Kayaks around Bainbridge

This Saturday, kayakers and rowers will take to the waters of Puget Sound in what is described as the longest single-day race for human-powered boats on the West Coast.

The Bainbridge Island Marathon is the annual 26.2 mile race around the the island’s perimeter beginning at 9:30 a.m. September 8. The event is open to kayaks, rowing shells, canoes and even pedal powered boats.

The full marathon starts and finishes at Fay Bainbridge State Park; for those who don’t have the endurance, a half-marathon begins at Fort Ward State Park two hours later.

The entry fee for the marathon is $8 per person for members of Sound Rowers, members of Masters Rowing Association, and Juniors under 18 years of age. Non-members and non-juniors must pay $18 per person.

For registration and information, visit the Sound Rowers website, www.soundrowers.org.

SCCS names new teachers

Saint Cecilia Catholic School has added two teachers to its staff.

Heidi Corbin will teach the multi-age fourth, fifth and sixth grade class, while Stephanie Jacobson will head the preschool class.

They join the current faculty of Kitt Mathisen, kindergarten; Sue Kinney, second and third grade combined class; and Kate Schrock, first grade.

Limited space is still available in most classes for fall. For more information, contact Principal Carla Caldwell at 842-2017, or see www.saintceciliaschool.org.