PETITION AGAINST TOWN PLAN FOR KAYAK LAUNCH AND DANGEROUS EAST RIVER ROAD CROSSING
The Issue
An update has been added to the petition. Per our request, the town engineer informed us that a 20ft roadside unloading area on the water side of E. River will be added. We do not feel that the public has been given a real opportunity to have a valid discussion on this $ 250,000 project.
We are not opposed to a kayak launch site on E River Rd. We oppose the chosen kayak launch location because we believe the town-owned 14-acre parcel next to Spicer Creek, just a few feet down the road, is a significantly better site. Comparing both sites against Grand Island resident's survey responses on waterfront access and other goals, town policies, Greenway requirements and guidance, it is clear that the alternative offers greater value to more residents. The town proposed site is most beneficial to kayakers and marginally beneficial to other classes of GI residents. (Disabled, birders, those who want to sit by the water and enjoy the views and educational groups. The larger lot size, (14 acres compared to 1/10 of an acre), is also much safer because there is room for parking and unloading on the water side of E River and the launch would be protected from boat waves from the Niagara River with wave barriers that are already in place. (please see summary chart below)
The roadside dropoff area will create its own set of safety issues that would not exist when unloading in the safety of a parking lot. Issues such as drivers doing U-turns on E river to make it into the parking lot or even worse, backing up on the pull-off area to be able to pull in the parking lot across the street. Adding a roadside unloading area will increase road hazards on E. River. Adding the roadside unloading area will also reduce the distance needed for a safe walkway or gangway to the water due to the lack of room on this less than 1/10 of an acre lot, with only about 35 ft from the property line to the water. The elevation drops at least 10 ft from the road to the water, forcing the kayak launch to extend farther into the river to keep the slope in safety compliance, thus exposing the launch to even more impacts of the heavy boat traffic. It would be the only floating kayak launch on Grand Island that is not protected from direct impacts of waves caused by heavy boat traffic. A floating kayak launch in these conditions is subject to severe instability and is dangerous, the alternative site already has wave barriers.
The negative impact to this residential neighborhood would be significant also. This large-scale project would require clearing nearly the entire property width for the parking lot, including many large, mature black walnut trees. The natural slope of the riverbank would have to be filled in to accommodate the 20ft roadside unloading area and walkway. The large floating launch on the open water rising up and down from boat wakes, would have an increased negative effect on the environment, especially with the water being extremely shallow and the launch pad itself would be close enough for users to see into one home’s bedroom windows.
Grand Island has an opportunity to make a Signature River Access area to complement our World Class Greenway Trail System and Scenic Woods Trail Project. Please help us to slow down and take a thorough evaluation of the proposal. Together, we can push for safer, more thoughtful development that prioritizes the well-being of everyone in Grand Island. Why not maximize the benefit for the maximum number of town residents? The alternate site is located in a wetlands area which does require addition effort to work with the DEC to obtain the necessary permits. This can be a challenge, but the town has been successful in working with the DEC in the past, so it is not impossible. The effort would be well worth it to have a more versatile and safer river access that can be enjoyed by all.
East River Road, south of Ransom, is a serene and picturesque part of Grand Island, cherished by residents and visitors alike. However, a new proposal threatens both the tranquility and safety of this area. The neighborhood residents are deeply concerned about the town's plan to introduce a kayak launch at this location, forcing people to cross E. River Rd, then paddle around long docks and out into deep water, into a stretch of river that has heavy boat traffic.
This section of East River Road is notorious for its blind curves and narrow shoulders, which already present a significant hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. Any addition that amplifies these dangers should be reconsidered urgently.
Articles from Niagara Frontier publications highlight these dangers: The Greenway Trail Commission has already raised alarms about the risks on East River Road, noting past incidents where cyclists and walkers have been seriously injured. Former Deputy Supervisor Jim Sharpe said that people fear for their lives when riding along E. River and former Supervisor John Whitney has said that E. River poses some real challenges because of its terrain and topography. Current Supervisor Pete Marston has said that all stakeholders need to be involved in a plan to improve E. River.
The logical and responsible course of action is for local authorities to pause, reconsider this proposal, and identify alternative, safer locations for a kayak launch. One option would be the 14+ acres of waterfront the town owns next to Spicer Creek; people would not have to cross the street or go out into deep water. This large waterfront location is also much more adaptable for public uses, such as nautical rescue access. It is the perfect location.
All of the 10 nearest homeowners are against the proposal, we responded to the town as a group, yet they did not want to meet with us. We are open to other options and uses of this property, like the pedestrian trail entrance that is currently approved. GI has 8 public kayak launch areas already.
Join us in urging our local council and decision-makers to protect our community by reassessing this faulty proposal. Together, we can push for safer, more thoughtful development that prioritizes the well-being of everyone in Grand Island. It is free to sign.
Additional Photos, correspondence with the town, and more Information please visit - https://safestreetsbeforekayaks.com/
The proposed site has less than 1/10 of an acre waterfront property, between two residential homes, requiring people to cross a dangerous road, paddle around long docks and out into deep water, into a stretch of river that has heavy boat traffic.
Additional Photos, correspondence with the town, and more Information please visit - https://safestreetsbeforekayaks.com/
188
The Issue
An update has been added to the petition. Per our request, the town engineer informed us that a 20ft roadside unloading area on the water side of E. River will be added. We do not feel that the public has been given a real opportunity to have a valid discussion on this $ 250,000 project.
We are not opposed to a kayak launch site on E River Rd. We oppose the chosen kayak launch location because we believe the town-owned 14-acre parcel next to Spicer Creek, just a few feet down the road, is a significantly better site. Comparing both sites against Grand Island resident's survey responses on waterfront access and other goals, town policies, Greenway requirements and guidance, it is clear that the alternative offers greater value to more residents. The town proposed site is most beneficial to kayakers and marginally beneficial to other classes of GI residents. (Disabled, birders, those who want to sit by the water and enjoy the views and educational groups. The larger lot size, (14 acres compared to 1/10 of an acre), is also much safer because there is room for parking and unloading on the water side of E River and the launch would be protected from boat waves from the Niagara River with wave barriers that are already in place. (please see summary chart below)
The roadside dropoff area will create its own set of safety issues that would not exist when unloading in the safety of a parking lot. Issues such as drivers doing U-turns on E river to make it into the parking lot or even worse, backing up on the pull-off area to be able to pull in the parking lot across the street. Adding a roadside unloading area will increase road hazards on E. River. Adding the roadside unloading area will also reduce the distance needed for a safe walkway or gangway to the water due to the lack of room on this less than 1/10 of an acre lot, with only about 35 ft from the property line to the water. The elevation drops at least 10 ft from the road to the water, forcing the kayak launch to extend farther into the river to keep the slope in safety compliance, thus exposing the launch to even more impacts of the heavy boat traffic. It would be the only floating kayak launch on Grand Island that is not protected from direct impacts of waves caused by heavy boat traffic. A floating kayak launch in these conditions is subject to severe instability and is dangerous, the alternative site already has wave barriers.
The negative impact to this residential neighborhood would be significant also. This large-scale project would require clearing nearly the entire property width for the parking lot, including many large, mature black walnut trees. The natural slope of the riverbank would have to be filled in to accommodate the 20ft roadside unloading area and walkway. The large floating launch on the open water rising up and down from boat wakes, would have an increased negative effect on the environment, especially with the water being extremely shallow and the launch pad itself would be close enough for users to see into one home’s bedroom windows.
Grand Island has an opportunity to make a Signature River Access area to complement our World Class Greenway Trail System and Scenic Woods Trail Project. Please help us to slow down and take a thorough evaluation of the proposal. Together, we can push for safer, more thoughtful development that prioritizes the well-being of everyone in Grand Island. Why not maximize the benefit for the maximum number of town residents? The alternate site is located in a wetlands area which does require addition effort to work with the DEC to obtain the necessary permits. This can be a challenge, but the town has been successful in working with the DEC in the past, so it is not impossible. The effort would be well worth it to have a more versatile and safer river access that can be enjoyed by all.
East River Road, south of Ransom, is a serene and picturesque part of Grand Island, cherished by residents and visitors alike. However, a new proposal threatens both the tranquility and safety of this area. The neighborhood residents are deeply concerned about the town's plan to introduce a kayak launch at this location, forcing people to cross E. River Rd, then paddle around long docks and out into deep water, into a stretch of river that has heavy boat traffic.
This section of East River Road is notorious for its blind curves and narrow shoulders, which already present a significant hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. Any addition that amplifies these dangers should be reconsidered urgently.
Articles from Niagara Frontier publications highlight these dangers: The Greenway Trail Commission has already raised alarms about the risks on East River Road, noting past incidents where cyclists and walkers have been seriously injured. Former Deputy Supervisor Jim Sharpe said that people fear for their lives when riding along E. River and former Supervisor John Whitney has said that E. River poses some real challenges because of its terrain and topography. Current Supervisor Pete Marston has said that all stakeholders need to be involved in a plan to improve E. River.
The logical and responsible course of action is for local authorities to pause, reconsider this proposal, and identify alternative, safer locations for a kayak launch. One option would be the 14+ acres of waterfront the town owns next to Spicer Creek; people would not have to cross the street or go out into deep water. This large waterfront location is also much more adaptable for public uses, such as nautical rescue access. It is the perfect location.
All of the 10 nearest homeowners are against the proposal, we responded to the town as a group, yet they did not want to meet with us. We are open to other options and uses of this property, like the pedestrian trail entrance that is currently approved. GI has 8 public kayak launch areas already.
Join us in urging our local council and decision-makers to protect our community by reassessing this faulty proposal. Together, we can push for safer, more thoughtful development that prioritizes the well-being of everyone in Grand Island. It is free to sign.
Additional Photos, correspondence with the town, and more Information please visit - https://safestreetsbeforekayaks.com/
The proposed site has less than 1/10 of an acre waterfront property, between two residential homes, requiring people to cross a dangerous road, paddle around long docks and out into deep water, into a stretch of river that has heavy boat traffic.
Additional Photos, correspondence with the town, and more Information please visit - https://safestreetsbeforekayaks.com/
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on October 5, 2026