April
9,
2007
By Sean Leonard/The Daily Item
If an application submitted to the state last week by
the Lynn Economic Development and Industrial Corp. is approved,
Boston-bound commuters from Lynn may have another public
transit option beginning next spring - a high speed ferry.
James Cowdell, the former City Council president who now
heads the city's EDIC, said a 30-page application drafted
by his office has been submitted to the state Environmental
Policy Act Office, seeking $3.5 million in a Seaport Bond
Bill for a Lynn to Boston ferry service.
The plan calls for the demolition of a dilapidated waterfront
commercial building on Blossom Street Extension, and new
docks for three commercial boats, including a 100-foot
ferry.
"We want 100 percent funding for this, just like
Salem was able to get last year for its ferry service," Cowdell
said, noting that $3.5 million will include the site preparation
as well the purchase of a new ferry. The operation of the
ferry would eventually be self-sustaining through ticket
sales.
"We believe commuters would use a Lynn ferry," Cowdell
said. "Salem's ferry is primarily tourism based, and
it's a 35-minute trip to Boston. From Lynn, it's only a
14-to-17 minute trip, and only two minutes of that is traveled
in a commercial lane. It's a quick and direct route.
"The ferry plan is integral to our Master Plan for
the waterfront," Cowdell said. He said he hopes to
hear back from MEPA on the initial application within 45
days.
The city's Legislative delegation, meanwhile, is vowing
to fight for inclusion of the ferry plan in a seaport bond
bill or transportation bond bill, and to guide the plan
through the House and Senate.
"This is an important investment for economic development
of the Lynn waterfront," said State Sen. Thomas McGee. "Last
year the city wasn't ready, in terms of its Waterfront
Master Plan, but now that the plan is in place and a site
for a ferry service has been identified, I'm confident
the state will make a commitment."
McGee said he also believes a Lynn ferry would be commuter-based,
and not one that would be in competition with the Salem
service.
"We have a major transportation bond bill coming
up in July and I think there's a good chance Lynn will
receive funding (for a ferry service)," said State
Rep. Steve Walsh. "Salem received 100 percent financing.
Obviously, any percentage all the way up to full funding
would be terrific for us. Lynn is a straight shot (on water)
to Boston. A Lynn ferry not only fits in with the waterfront
plan, but with the concept of Lynn being the transportation
hub of the North Shore; with the parking garage, the MBTA
buses moving its terminal there, and the commuter rail.
A harbor ferry would be another piece in that puzzle."
Also boding in favor of the project, Walsh said, is that
many key administrators on Beacon Hill who would have part
in making a ferry service a reality, have visited the site,
including members of the Seaport Bond Advisory Council.
"They already have an understanding of the site and
its economic value to the city of Lynn," he said.
Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. said a
ferry service "would
bring more interest and people into the area" and "I'd
be happy to see it happen."
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