WHY
WE OPPOSED IT

A Resort would have overwhelmed a quiet residential neighborhood, endangered public safety and the environment, and consumed taxpayer dollars.

 

 

Why a Resort on Sport (or in any island neighborhood) is/was a bad idea:

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1) Violated existing zoning intent.

2) Commercial use would have been unlimited.

3) Would have set a bad precedent (more development on other islands).

4) Dangerous to swimmers/boaters, especially children.

5) Additional Town & County resources would have been required.

4) Was inconsistent with the Town LWRP.

5) Would have hurt local, existing resort businesses.

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These points, in more detail:

 

1) Inconsistent with Current Marine Residential Zoning:

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We believe a resort in a quiet island neighborhood  would have violated the then-current Marine Residential zoning, which was “to promote residential neighborhoods, and certain supporting marine uses which are compatible with the environment and local area.”

 

The noise, lights, and boat traffic generated by providing a venue, food and beverage services, entertainment to support large events and parties, including a restaurant and outdoor tiki bar, would have not been consistent or compatible with maintaining the unique character of the islands.

 

2) Unlimited Commercial Use - Follows Property Through Future Sales:

There was no mechanism to limit use within the Resort definition, which includes, but is not
limited to, lodging, dining, conventions, marina, camping and recreation. Nor was there any
mechanism to enforce any proposed limitations of use. Also, a “Resort” designation, if approved, would have transfered with the property when the property was sold. This means that any assurances made by current applicants that they could/would limit their use or impact would have been meaningless down the road.

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3) Bad Precedent - Degrades Tranquil and Scenic Nature of Area:

 

Approval of Sport Island Holdings, LLC’s Site Plan (or any proposed resort on another island) would have set a precedent and encouraged additional, similar commercial development of other residential island neighborhoods in the river, degrading the residential tranquility and scenic nature of The 1000 Islands.

4) Dangerous - Safety Risk:

 

A commercial resort would have created significant additional boat traffic and increased risk to boaters and swimmers. Almost all of the neighborhood  houses are home to children. Also, to access the proposed resort, guests, staff, and suppliers would have needed to cross the main US shipping channel, at night and in inclement weather. Large numbers of guests at the resort, boating and consuming alcohol, would have greatly increased the risk and frequency of accidents, endangering all.

4) Additional Town & County Resources Required - No Road Access:

 

A resort would have meant additional taxpayer resources to ensure public safety at all hours and weather conditions (e.g., funding for boats and public safety personnel to police and respond to incidents). Resources would have been required to enforce the same commercial rules and regulations (e.g., hours of operation, liquor license, safety codes, occupancy rates, building codes) on an island (with no road access) that commercial businesses on the mainland must follow.

5) Not Consistent with Approved Town Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP):

Allowing a commercial resort on Sport Island would have been inconsistent with the Waterfront Revitalization Policies that the Town of Alexandria recently spent considerable time, effort, and public input developing. The goal of the LWRP is to ensure that development is compatible with the character of the area: protect the scenic quality of the Thousand Islands; and only develop in areas with adequate existing public services and facilities (e.g., public safety services, law
enforcement); and protect fish and wildlife and habitat. The increase in boat traffic, noise, docks, and wastewater would have harmed water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in an area known for its fishing and wildlife.
 

6) Would Have Hurt Local, Existing Resort Businesses and Tourism:

 

This was a highly speculative business operation that has changed its intent for Sport
Island several times and their proposed resort would have pulled business away from Alexandria Bay and other areas where established, similar, local resort businesses already exist. People come to the 1000 Islands to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. They want to go boating and explore quiet islands, without the noise and boat traffic of congested commercial areas.

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