La Dana prompts questions
By Michael Turton
Since late this spring, the most common question on the Cold Spring riverfront has been, “What’s with that boat?” A small sailboat, La Dana, has been anchored close to shore, directly across from Moo Moo’s Creamery, for several months. Comments from frequent visitors to the waterfront indicate that the boat has seldom, if ever, left anchor. Residents have also wondered about the legality of leaving a boat anchored for an extended period of time in that location.
Capt. William McNamara, spokesman for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, said La Dana is believed to be owned by a resident of Nelsonville. The Hudson River, he added, is governed by state laws enforced by the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, as well as other state, county and local agencies, while federal boating and navigation laws are enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“It is my understanding … that there is no law restricting the length of time that a boat may be anchored in such a location,” McNamara told The Paper via email.
Asked if there could be a legal issue if a large number of boats anchored in the same location, McNamara said that it is his understanding of applicable laws that, “… anchorage of a boat or boats may become an issue if the location of the anchored craft(s) impedes navigation of other boats or creates an unsafe condition.” As an example he said that if an anchored boat is left in or near a channel or blocking a public boat launch site, “it may constitute a violation of law.”
George Kane, officer-in-charge for the Cold Spring Police Department, said that because La Dana is anchored offshore, the village has no jurisdiction over it.
What business is it of ours who owns La Dana or what his or her plans are? They have broken no law.
So correct, Mr Copeland. Why do some people feel so obligated to become involved in matters that should be none of their business? This kind of mentality is a colossal waste of public resources. Having to field questions from people overly concerned about a boat anchored in the river. In summary, “mind your own business and tend to your own flocks.”
It simply amazes me how people assume a simple question is something more than that.
Its unusual for a boat of that size to be moored for an extended period of time in locations other than in around the Boat Club. That is a simple fact. Apparently that’s why observant and inquisitive people asked about it. There are no report in the article that anyone is asking the boat be removed.
Wondering about something unusual in one’s world isn’t illegal and it’s not being nosy and the question is certainly not trying to take over or interfere.
Cold Spring Village Code Chapter 27 (Recreation Commission), § 27-9(B), Docking of Vessels: “Docking of vessels at the Village Dock shall be permitted only upon grant of a special permit called a ‘docking permit’ from the Village Board of Trustees as provided herein.” In that section of the Code, “docking” is defined to mean “any non-emergency connection, by tying up or otherwise mooring to the Village Dock or anchoring within 100 feet off the Village Dock and using the same as a landing point.” That’s the law, and it should be enforced. (And Village officials should know what the law is.)
Is it within 100 feet of the dock? I go down there a lot and have just never noticed the boat. But from the Code section quoted, it looks as if the boat must be within 100 feet of the dock and the dock must be used as a landing point.