The Maryland
Watermen’s Association, Inc.
November 2, 2005
Somerset
County Commissioners
P.O.
Box 37
11916
Somerset Avenue
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Dear County
Commissioners:
I am writing to appeal to you to
reject alt bids for the sale of the Tylerton Marina that the watermen use
everyday and depend on for their livelihood. I urge you to take it off the
market and declare it no longer for sale.
The watermen of Smith
Island depend on that landing for
tying up their boats and doing their day- to - day business there. They have
limited space elsewhere on the island for their boats and gear; therefore the
public landing is a necessity for many of them. Taking the Tylerton Marina away
from them would essentially take the watermen from Smith
Island, a place that is known for
its maritime history and culture
Selling the landing would not
only he a hardship on the watermen of the area, but also the businesses that
are already suffering due to development and the dwindling number of watermen.
Thc Picking houses, Packers & Processors and Dealers in the area would pay
the price as well.
It is very short - sided to sell
off harbor land in any county. Harbor land is very limited in its uses and
although it is very sought after, it should not be developed into condos. Marinas
create year- round jobs for the residents of Somerset
County and once condos are put
there, the jobs are gone. Tougher restrictions need to be placed on harbor
development, as it should be restricted under zoning laws.
I have recommended to the
watermen on Smith Island
and Tangier Sound thatthey reconsider paying the yearly tee asked of them to
continue use of the landing. I also ask you, the commissioners, to reconsider
the selling of this property or any other county property that would be
detrimental to a community. I would also ask that in the future all harbor
development be closely scrutinized if it is not intended for use as a marina or
for the use of the watermen’s community.
Sincerely, r
:>- /Z/
Larry Simn
President
Maryland Watermen’s Association
1805A Virginia
Street • Annapolis,
MD 21401 •
(410) 268-7722 • 269-6622 • FAX: 269-6635