Letters

We write in response to your recent story, “Hidden Cove Marina in Noyac Undergoes a Major Transformation” [27east.com, September 5]. This was a very nice article in favor of the changes at the Hidden Cove Marina; it would be helpful if an article was written speaking to the disruption and potential risks this new owner has caused to the cove with his changes and expanded use of the property.

The new “marina” is now home to three very large boats of around 50 feet or longer, and future plans will consider the remainder of his 18 yachts. This small cove is and should remain pristine, and these large boats are causing much disruption to the other boats, residents and wildlife. Many people paddleboard, swim, fish, crab and kayak in this cove, and the expanded business of yacht rentals is not compatible or safe with current and longstanding uses of the cove.

These large boats have not demonstrated an ability to maintain the required 5 mph no wake zone and are causing boats at the Mill Creek Marina and private docks to be jostled and even hit one another. When entering the channel at the same time as one of these 50-plus-foot boats, the smaller boats have no place to maneuver, and during low tide it can make things very precarious.

The article mentions that what differentiates his fleet is that his boats are operated by professional captains and staff. If the way they speed through the channel, try to pass smaller slower boats in the channel and play loud, disruptive music is considered professional, I would beg to differ.

My family has owned in Pine Neck since the 1950s, and we have never seen so much fuel/oil sheens floating on the top of the water. The water is also very murky from being churned up. This cove was just not meant to have such large boats in its water. The water quality, environment and safety of the cove will never be the same if this business is allowed to proceed.

The owner mentions making the dock look like a “Mykonos vibe” — we think it’s pretty special as it is and really don’t think free tickets to a fundraiser are going to change our minds.

Paul and Danielle Saurer

Noyac