Section 5-44 of the City Code permits property owners fronting Grand Boulevard, lying south of Massachusetts Avenue and north of Virginia Avenue, the right to construct docks when their properties are adjacent to the City property described Section 44(b) of the City Code, provided specific conditions are met. There is a pending amendment to that Code citation eliminating certain insurance requirements (Ordinance #2016-2066).
In 1998, the riverscape improvements were completed along the park that included the decorative sidewalk, landscaping, parking, pavilions and new seawall cap with knee wall. Future dock locations were established at that time with pre-determined access openings through the knee wall. There are 22 properties eligible for the construction of private docks, all of which front on Grand Boulevard from Virginia Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue. A dock location is determined by extending each owner’s lot line across Grand Boulevard.
The subject property is located on the east side Grand Boulevard, approximately 132 feet south of Kentucky Avenue. It contains a 1,120 square foot, single-family dwelling that was built in 1928. Across Grand Boulevard to the west is an opening in the knee wall intended for a dock.
Prior to the construction of a dock, a fully executed license agreement is required to be submitted to the City. The agreement grants a conditional, revocable license entitling the licensee to construct a dock attached or immediately adjacent to the seawall on the river side of the City property. The agreement is conditioned upon compliance with, and is subject to, the provisions of Section 5-44 of the City Code and provisions otherwise applicable to permitting, construction and maintenance of the dock.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) reviewed the request at its May 28, 2015 meeting and recommended approval.