Irondequoit Town Board Considers Boating Restrictions
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A public hearing in Irondequoit last night focused on a proposal to restrict boaters from coming within 450 feet of the shoreline along Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay.
Under the proposal, all outside recreational boats would be banned from docking, mooring, anchoring, or drifting within the highlighted area.
While boaters say it is their right to tie their boats together, property owners say too many rowdy boaters are partying too close to their shoreline.
"Quite simply, boaters like to get together and tie their boats up together. To do that, you have to be able to anchor the boats, otherwise the whole group just ends up all over the place and it becomes a danger to everybody," said Ed Leichtner, Genesee River Boaters.
"Half of these boats, do not have toilet facilities. They're standing there for eight hours, drinking – what do they do? You can figure it out, fish do it too," said Ben Macantuile, lakefront homeowner.
While the property owners say they are concerned about the quality of life in the area, boaters are questioning whether the town is legally able to restrict the waters.
The Town Board is still considering a vote on the law.