‘Drastic’ building expansion proposed for Safe Harbor Onset Bay marina

Two new buildings, including one more than double its current size, could be coming to the Safe Harbor Onset Bay marina.

Property owner Safe Harbor Marinas, an organization that owns and runs marinas globally, is proposing to tear down and replace the two buildings currently servicing the 3 Green St. location.

The larger building is used for boat repairs and the other, smaller building currently serves as office space. 

The repair shop would be “expanding pretty drastically”, according to Director of Planning and Community Development Josh Faherty, while the smaller would remain similar in size.

He added the repair shop would be moved away from the water and closer to Gray Street. Under the proposal that building would increase in size from 18,995 square feet to 41,800 square feet.

The second, smaller building would remain a similar size but would be used as a members-only recreational space.

Residents who live near the marina voiced their opposition to the project during the Tuesday, Jan. 6 Select Board meeting, raising several concerns regarding the size of the expansion.

“We are very concerned that the expansion is way beyond what is appropriate for this town — it’s going to negatively impact the character of the town,” Tim Bigelow said. 

Rebecca Hemsley also lives near the marina and spoke against its expansion on Tuesday. She said neighboring residents would be open to a “reasonable” expansion but need more communication from the developer.

“We’re not trying to be difficult, we're just trying to be realistic,” Hemsley said. 

Faherty said the proposal is still in its very early stages and will next be in front of a town board Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Conservation Commission’s 6 p.m. meeting.