Neighbors Question Proposed Restaurant at Point Bay Marina
by Nancy Wood
July 15, 2010, pg 1

During a July 1 site visit to Point Bay Marina, and later during the Planning Commission meeting at the Town Hall, neighbors raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposed 88-seat, year around restaurant. In the photo, Susan Raabe questions restauranter Terry Faith-Weihs while neighbor David Krolic and Commissioners Paul Landler and Ellie Russell listen.

Issues raised included expansion of a non-conforming use, parking, dockage for transient boats, traffic, speeding, late night noise in the quiet cove and lighting.
John Evans, one of the marina owners, described the proposed design as very similar to the Burlington Boathouse. The lower level, which is at the end closest to the lake, would be on the existing non-conforming footprint of the Royal Savage Yacht Club and the old trailer next to it. That section would serve as a take out and snack bar. The second story, which would be the restaurant proper, would extend across the roadway, creating a 14-foot high bridge to allow passage of vehicles and fire trucks to the docks. Similar to the Boathouse, covered decks would surround the main dining area allowing for outside seating.

The main entrance to the restaurant would be at the same grade level as the ship’s store. Additional parking for 22 cars would be located nearby.

Evans estimated that one-third of the patrons would be people already on their boats at the Marina, one-third would be transients coming by boat and one-third would come by car. He said no new docks are planned as there are frequent empty spots where boats are away. He said that the more than 100 current parking spaces on the site should be sufficient to meet the regulations for parking.

Sharon Beale said that Point Bay had been a good neighbor but objected to the addition of a restaurant. She said the bay is too crowded with boats already, and is worried about the impact of more boats on waterfowl and the increase of traffic on an already dangerous Thompson’s Point Road.

Evans said that the proposal would not increase the existing non-conformity and so is allowed under the regulations. He said that the restaurant would increase opportunities for people to be on the lake who don’t otherwise have access.

There are few restaurants nearby on Lake Champlain. The Old Dock in Essex, New York, with seating for 150, is the closest. Le Bistro at the Westport Yacht Club seats 176 indoors and out; and the Gallery at the West Port Marina seats 56.