Do you want to operate the Dunkirk marina?
A large Hanna Commercial Real Estate sign recently erected near Lake Shore Drive, across from the boardwalk, indicates that the adjacent marina is “available.” The listing on the real estate company's website states: “The marina activities and equipment are for sale, the new marina operator will enter into a rental/licensing agreement with the city of Dunkirk, with other options possible with guaranteed capital investment.”
There are no prices available. Interested parties are asked to contact Hanna regarding this matter. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the marina was built in 1987 at a cost of approximately $3 million.
The city retains ownership of the marina site and leases it to managers – but ran into problems last year with that arrangement. A lease transfer to Peter Smith was allegedly done improperly, and then Smith was arrested for alleged violent threats against someone he believed had stolen from him, in incidents that did not involve the marina.
The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency stepped in to help the city resolve organizational issues at the marina. Meanwhile, the marina was seen by local planners as a place to use part of the $10 million Dunkirk Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. Smith initially made his own proposal, but city officials eventually distanced themselves and brought in the IDA to rework the plan.
The marina submitted the local list of DRI suggestions to state officials, who have the final say on where the money goes.
Hanna's web page for the marina notes the “proposed $2 million in improvements.” Gov. Kathy Hochul would announce the funding winners later this month.
A “waterfront development site” nearby, at 18-24 Lake Shore Drive West, is also marketed by Hanna, with its own listing there. This sign indicates the site as “for sale.”
According to Hanna's website, the two properties can be purchased separately or together. Marina managers have managed the properties together in the recent past.
Hanna's web listing says the marina has about 200 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 60 feet long. Equipment for sale “includes fueling and pumping facilities, a 20-ton Kleeco travel-lift, JCB forklift, two hydraulic trailers, tractor, work barge, crane, floating dock system, and more.”
It should also be noted that the site includes a bar and a restaurant (64 on the pier), a toilet/shower area/storage building, a “shipyard for summer and winter storage, repair facilities, ship store and parking for customers.”
Vince DeJoy, Dunkirk's director of planning and development, did not respond to an email this week seeking comment.