|
|
|
Banner file photo/Rose
George Hitchcock says a “bigger picture” view is needed to help pay for the pier. |
|
Retail & rental uses explored for town pier
By Pru Sowers
Banner Staff
PROVINCETOWN — As managers of MacMillan Pier struggle with higher than expected maintenance bills and a shrinking client base of commercial fishing boats, new ideas are beginning to be explored to turn what is arguably one of the prime pieces of waterfront real estate in town into a moneymaking venture.
The Provincetown Public Pier Corp. next week will begin advertising for proposals for retail businesses on the pier, including catered events, music concerts and farm markets. However, Pier Corp. board members said they are interested in any ideas promoters or float owners care to submit.
“We want to start looking at the bigger picture,” said Pier Corp. member George Hitchcock. “We have events but half the time they’re non-profit. We’re trying to get a good name in the community but we’re not paying for the pier.”
Construction is expected to begin this winter on a series of renovations at the end of MacMillan Pier, including restrooms and an open-air pavilion. Harbormaster Rex McKinsey said those facilities will lend themselves to special events, which promoters would pay a fee to use.
Last summer, MacMillan Pier generated $17,600 in rental fees.
“We have a space. We should act as a landlord. Somebody could make a ton of money and so could we,” said Phil Tarvers, Pier Corp. board member.
Once the renovations are complete, it may make sense to hire an events coordinator to market MacMillan Pier as a desirable venue, said board member Lee Ash. Grant money could possibly be used to fund the position, she said.
Ash also liked the idea of installing sheds, tents and booths housing a rotating selection of small, marketplace types of businesses that would bring both revenue and people to the pier.
“I like the word ‘rotating’ so people understand there’s an opportunity for all,” she said.
The move to advertise the pier as an events and retail space follows on Pier Corp. discussions a month ago about renting nightly moorings to recreational vessels, a move that would change the nature of the commercial vessel wharf. Pier Corp. is considering purchasing a barge to put in an empty space on the west side of the pier which would be used in part to moor large recreational boats on a nightly basis. Seasonal recreational moorings are not being considered at this time.
Any potential recreational businesses or events would be planned around the existing commercial fishing fleet so as not to interfere with their daily operations, board members added. But the potential to use the pier, which juts one-quarter mile into Provincetown Harbor, as a lucrative events space needs to be explored as a way to transition the pier into a profitable venture, they said.
“It’s one of the most desirable pieces of real estate in the town. We’re missing the boat here,” Hitchcock said. “We nickel and dime. There’s never a proposal big enough to pay for the pier.”
“We’ve got to stop talking about it and start to move forward,” agreed Pier Corp. chair Len Clingham.
psowers@provincetownbanner.com
|
Builders urged to learn MESA review process
Officer cleared in Hill shooting
In the News
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 30th, 2006