Shadyside Residents Demand Reopening of Discovery Village Boat Ramp After Council Closure

Residents of Shadyside are rallying for the reopening of the Discovery Village Boat Ramp, which was recently closed following a budget amendment by the Anne Arundel County Council. Community members voiced their concerns during a recent council meeting, emphasizing the ramp's importance for local recreation and businesses.

Mister Bush, a local resident, highlighted the ramp's frequent use, stating he visits it three to four times a week from May to November. He criticized the limited alternatives, noting that driving an hour to other ramps is impractical, especially when towing a boat. He urged the council to reconsider their negotiations regarding the property, which he described as being in disrepair for over 15 years.

Julia House, president of the Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, explaining that the boat ramp significantly contributed to local businesses. She pointed out that the closure has led to a decrease in traffic for convenience stores, restaurants, and other local establishments that benefited from visitors using the ramp. House called for the council to revisit the decision, arguing that the ramp was underutilized due to poor marketing and maintenance rather than a lack of demand.

Bill Sherbo, president of the Anne Arundel County Watermen's Association, also spoke against the closure, asserting that the council's decision was rushed and lacked comprehensive information. He reminded the council that significant state and county funds had been invested in the ramp, and he questioned why resources were allocated to less utilized facilities while the Discovery Village ramp, which serves the community year-round, was shut down.

The discussions at the council meeting reflect a growing frustration among residents who feel their needs are being overlooked. As the community continues to advocate for the reopening of the Discovery Village Boat Ramp, the council faces pressure to address the concerns raised and consider the broader implications of their decisions on local recreation and economic vitality.