Tarentum Council considering boat dock fee increase

It could cost more this year to rent boat dock space along the Allegheny River in Tarentum.

Council is considering increasing the per-foot cost by $1, from $13 to $14 per foot. For a minimum of 50 feet, that would increase the cost from $650 to $700 for the boating season.

That cost would continue to include up to two boats. The cost would remain $100 for each additional boat.

Council also is considering instituting a charge to be placed on a waiting list for dock space. Council discussed charging $100, which would go toward the first season’s cost and be refundable if a person later asks to be removed from the list.

Getting on the waiting list would require going through council for approval.

There are about a dozen people currently on the waiting list, Borough Manager Michael Nestico said.

They would be grandfathered and not have to pay the new fee, if approved by council.

There are 34 50-foot spaces along the river near Riverview Memorial Park. About 21 people currently lease river frontage from the borough for boat docks, Nestico said.

The rental cost was last increased in 2017, by $50. There was no increase last year, in part, because dock owners incurred damage from ice, Councilman Scott Dadowski said.

In discussing increasing the cost, Nestico described having the space as a “luxury item,” for which the borough incurs administrative costs.

Councilwoman Carrie Fox said council should consider a five-year plan that would see the cost increased each year.

“That’s prime land down there,” Councilman Tim Cornuet said.

Citing the waiting list, Nestico said there is demand for space, which would drive up the cost.

Council could vote on the fees when it meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at the borough building, 318 E. Second Ave.