More than a year has passed since the state’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) began soliciting redevelopment ideas for the old Chase Marina property at 169 Riverside Drive in Tiverton.

Now, some harbor commission members are growing frustrated over what they view as stalled momentum and virtually no recent communication to the town from DEM, and plan to discuss it at the commission’s next meeting, scheduled for next Monday, Oct. 16.

State officials envisioned that by 2025, the property would be transformed into a first-class port, fishing and commercial facility. Redevelopment costs, projected at $4 to $5 million, would come from $1.3 million in state funds currently earmarked for the project, with the balance from federal sources.

The proposal generated considerable interest and by late September 2022, more than 20 ideas had been submitted to the agency. Little has happened since, at least outwardly, from the state’s end.

Harbor commission vice-chairman David Stewart is strongly focused on the project’s timeline and outcome, in part because of his familiarity with the site. He and his wife operated a popular kayak shop at the now-vacant facility for over 15 years. Their shop closed in 2007, when the state acquired the property from the former owner through eminent domain. He said it hurts to see the once vibrant hub neglected and in disrepair.

“I love that building, and it’s got tremendous potential. It’s frustrating to go by there and see the condition it’s in.”

Stewart said at the upcoming meeting, the harbor commission intends to discuss next steps and will consider recommendations on how to address DEM’s lack of response to the town’s inquiries on the matter.

Deteriorating dock

Commission members also intend to draft a letter to Riverside Drive Realty LLC manager David Preston, regarding the dangerous condition of the wharf and docks located on the former Quality Yachts site, just north of and abutting the Tiverton Yacht Club on Riverside Drive. 

“The dock is deteriorating rapidly,” said Stewart. “The beams used to build the dock are falling into the water. If a boat hits them, they could do major damage. People are out there fishing for their livelihood ... It’s dangerous, and it’s an accident waiting to happen.”

The draft letter is expected to be reviewed at the upcoming meeting and then submitted to the town council for final approval.

Aquidneck Island Oyster Company

Also next Monday, the Aquidneck Island Oyster Company is expected to present preliminary plans to develop an oyster processing, offloading, and shipping business at 1716 Main Road.

Harbor commission members will likely have concerns about the location, Stewart said.

“Running a business out of there requires loading trucks, and it’s going to be difficult. That section of Main Road has become extremely busy, it’s narrow, and the corner is dangerous with people walking out of the [Coastal Roasters] coffee shop.”

An acceptable alternative for the company, Stewart said, might be the old Chase Marina site, once it is redeveloped.