Sailing hall still facing stormy seas

Mayor tries to quell dispute

By EARL KELLY, Staff Writer

Capital Gazette Communications

Published 01/28/10

While the sun shone brightly on Annapolis yesterday afternoon, Mayor Josh Cohen held a closed meeting with stakeholders in an attempt to resolve a simmering dispute surrounding the proposed National Sailing Hall of Fame.

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In insisting that a reporter leave the room, Cohen - who during his swearing-in speech on Dec. 7 promised greater transparency in Annapolis government - said he was trying to get the parties to "sit down out of the spotlight" and speak openly about their concerns.

"My purpose for calling the meeting is to turn the heat down some, and the rhetoric, and to have a candid discussion," Cohen...

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Harry, I disagree - 2010-01-29 09:05:06

You are generally dead on in your comments, but you need to look a little closer at this -- like Richard Israel did. Do you know how many museums, particularly niche museums for an esoteric interest, have failed or are heavily subsidized by government? Look no farther than HistoryQuest or whatever that boondoggle is called. Once they have a lease they become party palaces to help with expenses and that is almost the only use they have. You can't blame Ward One for not wanting to have that prime property used to host party after party on property that at least used to generate some tax revenue (but now won't) Add to that all the public services (trash, traffic) it will require and you can see how this will be a giant sinkhole of public dollars and an imposition on the nieghbors.

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Bob Bolder - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

Get out of the way - 2010-01-28 17:12:08

Mr. Israel must have too much time on his hands. The business community has been adversely affected with the opening of multiple malls and downturn in the general economy. They want and need new activity. The Sailing Hall of Fame will be a world class attraction bringing in new visitors and improving the downtown. Annapolis needs to capitalize on its unique setting and bringing upscale clientele as visitors. If Annapolis keeps throwing up roadblocks, ultimately investors will throw up their hands. I doubt Newport would be throwing ot an anchor to stop this development. Annapolis should be doing everything possible to facilitate the development. I appreciate the historic considerations, but Historic Annapolis Foundation in on board. The Council's performance with Market House displayed their incapability. Please get out of the way and let this major asset get in place and start generating much needed revenue. Mr. Cohen should not be holding close door meetings, Mr. Israel's antics should be out there for all to see.

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harry trampolini - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent