Port Strikes Again!

Ocean Highway Port Authority (OHPA) commissioners found themselves in the proverbial "between a rock and a hard space" after the company that runs the port erected a massive storage tent in a different location than had previously been approved.

Homeowners on North 3rd Street who had enjoyed unobstructed views of the Amelia River now gaze at the enormous white, fabric structure.

OHPA officials were informed Wednesday that dismantling the fabric warehouse and relocating it to its original intended location would cost an estimated $600,000.

"Shame on you. You could have stopped this!" shouted one angry resident as homeowners filed out of the OHPA meeting when no action was taken to address their concerns.

Last August, the port announced it would start building a 100-foot by 250-foot tent with available funding through a state grant on the northeast quadrant of the port complex. A second tent would be built as additional funds became available. The original plan was approved by OHPA at its September meeting.

"I am concerned that if OHPA does not make the port operator have the warehouse moved to the approved location, Savage (the operator) will feel it has the green light to do whatever it wants to do at the Port," wrote North 3rd Street homeowner Bob Virtue in an email to OHPA. "For example, would Savage make the decision to enhance revenue and bring hazardous materials into the Port thereby potentially jeopardizing the residents and others in the neighborhood around the Port, including St. Michael's School?"

OHPA members were united in condemning port operator Savage/Nassau Marine Terminal's decision to build the warehouse at it current location without seeking approval from the OHPA commission.

Nassau Marine Terminal manager Kyle Clark told commissioners that he had informally told them of the change of location during a congressional tour of the port in February by Congressman Aaron Bean.

"The discussion was had with OHPA minus Commissioner Fullwood on the day we were touring the representatives," Clark said. "We said hey, right outside the window (of the port building) we're moving it over here and here are some of our justifications. I recognise that's not this meeting and that's not formal and that's a mistake," Clark said. "I apologise for that. It's unfair to say there was no notification to OHPA because the conservation happened that day. I don't want it misrepresented that the operator took free rein and did whatever they want."

Clark's explanation drew immediate rebuke from OHPA Chair Miriam Hill and Vice Chair Justin Taylor.

"I'm very disappointed that the rationale that is being given for such a major change to a major project, is a comment as part of an overall discussion that was an off hand comment that the warehouse location was in a particular place that the neighbors would probably be happy with that. I think it's reasonable for any of the (OHPA) commissioners present, was that this item would come before th board and that we would have a picture of where the warehouse is going to go before construction commenced. Instead, the path that was followed was without that proper process," Hill said.