Winter Boat Storage to Raise Money for Harwich

PHOTO COURTESY: Harwich Harbormaster

HARWICH – After sending out advertisements for lease agreements, Harbormaster John Rendon told selectmen recently that only one marine service company is interested in storing winterized boats on town-owned land.

Allen Harbor Marine Services formerly leased town property at Allen Harbor, but could not do so last winter because of a state-mandated grant agreement which prevented leases while the town received project funding.

Now, however, AHMS is interested in leasing part of the former Downy property at Saquatucket Harbor.

Rendon said that he was surprised his office only received one lease proposal. But even that, he said, can help the town guarantee funds over the winter.

“Since there didn’t seem to be a significant need from the commercial entities, I would like to offer the options for our boaters to work directly with the harbormaster department to store their boats on our property there,” he said.

Rendon said that his office has outlined four parcels within the Downy property for consideration.

Selectman Angelo LaMantia said he thinks it will benefit the town. Fixing up that property is on the board’s agenda, but LaMantia said he feels taxpayers have enough of a burden and could be relieved by the income the lease will provide.

Selectmen suggested that an article appealing for long-term storage agreements could be on the next town meeting ballot.