Alternative Boat Launch The proposed alternative boat launch site for the Ferry Landing boat ramp, suggested by Westport Island resident Paul Nergaard.

An article in last week's issue of this newspaper describing an alternative location for Westport Island's Ferry Landing Boat Launch, caught the eye of resident Richard DeVries, who totally disagrees with the proposed change of location.

DeVries, who has lived on the Ferry Road next to the landing since the mid 1970s, said, "The old ramp has been in its current location for nearly 100 years, reflecting the wisdom of those that came before us. Why would we want to change it? There is no reason to."

Paul Nergaard, also a resident of Westport Island, had suggested a different location for the boat launch, saying it would provide a safer landing and would not disturb the marsh grass. Nergaard also said the current that is being proposed is not a good place because of the current. The current goes one way near the shore and in another direction a few feet away, creating swirls and making it difficult to launch a boat in that area.

According to DeVries, there are several problems with Nergaard's proposed change. The ramp proposed by Nergaard would cross mudflats, which was once a prime clamming area for local residents. DeVries is hoping the area will be reseeded with clams in the near future. The area at the end of the flats where Nergaard's ramp would be located is a natural basin swept clean by the swirling currents in the area to a depth of 12 feet at low tide, according to DeVries.

To put it simply, Nergaard's proposal would destroy an expansion area of mudflats, and would require a substantial amount of fill at the end of the ramp that would be located in treacherous swirl area. The ramp would have to be 225 feet long, according to DeVries.

The current ramp being proposed by the town would be about 105 feet, and is located where the slope of the gravel beach will require minimal fill to achieve the 13 degree slope for the ramp.

In addition there is little or no marsh grass in the area currently being proposed, according to DeVries. The remains of the old breakwater provide a significant shelter area for launch and recovery of boats during a good portion of the change in tides. During the balance of the tides the current will generally be pushing the boats against the floats making it easier to tie up.

"The currently proposed ramp eliminates the need to back around a curve to launch and retrieve a boat." DeVries said.

Nergaard is one of three Westport Island residents, including Michael Sterns and E. Davies Allan, who have filed two complaints in Superior Court regarding issues with the Ferry Landing project.

The first complaint is asking the court to vacate the decision of the town's board of appeals denying their right to appeal. The second complaint is asking that James Katsiaficas, the attorney advising the board of appeals be disqualified due to his alleged conflict of interest regarding the appeal.

"Mr. Nergaard and his two friends should remove the roadblocks they have currently erected," DeVries said, referring to the court challenges.

During the interview last week with Nergaard, he said, "I can say unequivocally that all three of us favor the boat launch. The reason for the appeal is public safety and health."

The town has paid over $13,000 in legal fees between the planning board review process, and the board of appeals process; there will be additional legal fees generated by the two superior court complaints.