Sworn Testimony in Support of Denying the Application
(all testimony at Chester Meeting House on 2/27/02 unless otherwise noted)

- Bert Armington-Director, Chester Land Trust: Resident since 1966. Dock impedes both aesthetics and navigation.
- Gail Carmody-President, Hadlyme Ferry Association: Group helped state purchase Gillette Castle. Dock violates aesthetics.
- Leonora Prowell-President, Hadlyme Historic District Commission: Actually knew Gillette family when castle was built. View has remained intact.
- Michael “Sandy” Prisloe, Jr.-Vice-Chairperson, Chester Conservation Commission: 25 year resident. Dock violates town’s open space plan. (Also Testified at DEP on 2/28/02)
- Hank Montrose-Hadlyme Resident: Expressed opposition based on aesthetics.
- Todd Bermann-U.S. Licensed Captain, Master Status: Ivoryton Resident. Paddled area since 1979, including dozens of times in recent years. Describes unique navigation and safety problems posed by the proposed dock in this location.
- Phillip Miller-Essex Selectman: Proposed dock has no redeeming value to the public.
- Sandra Austin-Hiker and Boater: Describes need of the many older adults who frequently paddle the area to be able to hug the shore in the area of the proposed dock in order to remain safe from powerboat wakes.
- Don Hanson-Kayaker: Frequently paddles the area. Describes negative aesthetic impact of boatlift based on his personal observation of similar structures elsewhere.
- Alan Geste(last name unclear on tape): Describes negative aesthetic impact based on personal observation of similar structures, and safety concerns for water skiers.
- George Bourne: Describes negative visual impact of boat lift from personal observation of such structures t Oyster Bay, NY
- Suzanne Haig: sailor on river for 10 years describing hazard of docks for sailboat navigation.
- Gerry Matthews-Haddam Resident for 22 years, 35 in area: Describes personal experience of kayaking area of proposed dock and unique safety hazards posed by the precise location in question.
- Therese DesJardins-Artist: Describes negative impact of proposed dock on aesthetics of the particular location.
- Paul John Flory-Master Rower: Works out 5-7 days per week on the River. Describes navigation problems for rowers, also questions necessity of boatlift which provides storage, not access.
- Jean Luchtenberg-Essex Resident: concurs on everything already stated by opponents of the dock.
- Gene Bartholomew-Chester Resident: Called Chester marinas and confirmed availability of space.
- Caroline Greenleaf-26 year resident and riparian landowner in Essex: Active kayaker, powerboater. Views Eagles from Chester Ferry Landing on Sundays. Describes negative impact of proposed dock on aesthetics.
- Peter Auster: frequently fishes in the location in question from his 16-foot powerboat and describes how structure would directly diminish his experience.
- Sam Lindberg: Distinguishes public value of Ferry dock from private value of proposed dock.
- Bonnie Bennet-Attorney: Describes recent denial of 100-foot dock in Maine based on adverse scenic and aesthetic impact.
- Matt Elgart: 50 year resident grew up in Deep River: Objects to negative aesthetic impact of proposed dock on one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state.
- Elizabeth Morgan-Lyme Resident: Describes personal experience of paddling the area in question and how proposed dock would negatively impact aesthetics and safety of navigation.
- Kevin Carrol: Describes how proposed dock would be an “eyesore in one of the most serene parts of the river.”
- Tom Gootz-Deep River: Describes personal experience of canoeing the proposed location and concerns that dock and its ice prevention pilings would pose a danger for paddlers of limited skills such as himself.
- Francine Cornaglia: States her agreement with Chester Land Trust.
- Alice Willard-Paddler and Birder: States that Ferry Landing is one of the places where eagles can be very reliably seen and that the proposed dock threatens a wild and scenic area that few places can duplicate.
- David Hayes-Dock Builder: Describes lack of necessity of proposed project for access, fishing, or public safety.
- James Morgan-Kayaker: Describes numerous paddle trips to the area and how paddlers stick to the shallows of the west side because it is safer to navigate. Also describes negative aesthetic impact of the proposed dock.
- Carol Kimball-Author, Tidelands of the Connecticut River: Testified as to lack of manmade structures at the proposed dock location and to the proximity of unique historic and natural features.(Testified at DEP on 2/28/02 and 3/5/02)
- Alice Willard-Deep River: Elaborates on concerns expressed in oral testimony that proposed dock will negatively impact aesthetics and navigation for small boaters and eagle-watchers. Received 3/5/02
- Gordon Willard-Deep River: Explains how paddlers desire to stay to close to shore in order to avoid being swamped and suffering “cold shock” as a result of powerboat wakes and how the proposed dock will be dangerous because it will put them closer to such wakes. Received 3/5/02
- Gerald B. Dubey-Chester: Longtime citizen official cites concerns about the aesthetic and safety issues, and criticizes the Hearing Officer for seeming prejudicial against the intervenors and members of the public. Received 3/4/02.
- Jennifer Hillhouse-Lyme: Expresses concern about the aesthetic impact if multiple docks are constructed and the hazard posed by pushing kayakers such as herself closer to the path of tankers and cigarette boats. Received 3/6/02.
- Kevin Carrol-Chester: Reiterates sworn testimony that proposed dock will mar the scenic beauty of one of the most serene and unspoiled areas of the River. Received 3/6/02.
- Paul John Flory-Essex: Elaborates in detail on concerns expressed in oral testimony regarding the danger of the proposed dock to rowers, the negative impact, and the fact that a lift is a manner of storage. (Accepted as Exhibit SPKR-1 by the Hearing Officer on 2/27/02)
- Thomas E. Worthley-Higganum: American Canoe Association Certified Instructor with 20 years paddling experience provides detailed explanation and diagrams of the dangerous “strainer” effect of the proposed dock and the need for paddlers to stay in the shallows to remain safe. Received 3/5/02.
- Steven C. Lee-East Hampton: License Captain of commercial riverboat describes how his riverboat navigates the area in question and how the proposed dock will increase danger to small pleasure craft by forcing them away from the shallows and closer to dangerous river traffic. Received 3/19/02.
- Harry Bird-Essex: Detailed analysis of the limited utility of the proposed dock given normal tidal cycles. Letter also contains a rendering of how the proposed dock will look with a 24 foot Sea Ray on the lift. Received 3/6/02.
- Diane Mela-Ivoryton: 32 year resident and retired sailor states views that dock will negatively impact aesthetics and safety of the location in question. Received 3/19/02.
- Barbara O. David-Farmington and Lyme: Describes multiple visits to area by the Ferry, by land and by boat and how the proposed dock will negatively impact an area with minimal human disturbance. Received 3/12/02.
- Lois Nadel-Chester: 30 year resident expresses view that proposed dock will do enormous harm to environment, tourism, and visitors and users of the River. Received 3/13/02.
- Eleanor Czarnowski-Old Lyme: Expresses concerns about the lack of Tidal Wetland scrutiny and the need to protect the environment generally. Received 3/1/02.
- Sandy Prisloe-Chester: States in detail the Conservation Commission’s views that the application violates the town’s open space policy and portions of the Harbor Management Plan. Accepted by the Hearing Officer on 2/28/02).
- Joan A. Meek-President, Potapaug Audubon Society: Expresses groups opposition to the project on the grounds that dredging activity will be necessary and will negatively affect the environment. Received 3/21/02.
- Carol Kimball-Lyme: Elaborates on oral testimony describing how there has never been a dock at the proposed location and how the proposed dock would be the river equivalent of a “billboard.” Received 3/20/02.
- Robert Braunfield-Hadlyme and East Haddam: Expresses views that proposed project will endanger paddlers, fishermen, and sailors and impact the scenic beauty and unique character of the river. Received 3/22/02.
- Laurie Giemza-Chester: Member of longtime resident family explains how proposed dock would adversely affect her ability to kayak the area safely and the ability of many to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Received 3/4/02.
- George Bourne-Old Lyme: Riparian landowner in Hamburg Cove expresses view that proposed dock would depreciate the view enjoyed by thousands of visitors. Dated 2/23/02.
- Helena B. Coombs: Former member of Essex Harbor Management Commission opposes dock due to its impact on thousands who enjoy the “uncluttered vista.” Received 3/4/02.
- William Carl Dolle-Deep River: Boater of 40 years experience on the River objects to adverse impact on the ability of canoes and kayaks to hug the shore to avoid boats and their wakes, also objects on grounds that proposed dock will adversely affect the “unspoiled beauty” of an area enjoyed by many. Received 3/20/02.
- Jocelyn Goldman-East Haddam: Objects to proposed dock describing how danger to paddlecraft is increased because they must travel around such structures in a triangular pattern that brings them closer to river traffic. Received 3/21/02.
- Roger W. Denoyers-Old Lyme: Former member of Wetlands Commission and paddler who kayaks the River 6 months a year objects on ecological, navigational, and aesthetic grounds. Received 3/19/02.
- Collin Goff-Old Saybrook: Professional photographer and technical draftsman points out misleading aspects of Applicants’ exhibits and provides photocomposites depicting the way the proposed dock will actually appear if it is allowed to be built. Received 3/21/02.
- Brooke Samuelson-Old Saybrook: Frequent paddler of the area in question objects on grounds that proposed dock will put more small craft owners at risk by forcing them out into the river along with the “huge ferry” and “other large boats.” Received 3/5/02.