Local marina tells council concerts boost waterfront; B&E Marina urges support for Harbor County Adventures
Summary
A letter read during public comment from B&E Marina co‑owner urged the Common Council to support Harbor County Adventures' concerts and waterfront activities, saying dock renters reported no complaints and the events attract regional tourism.
During the Parks Board meeting on June 18, a member of the public read a letter from Rod Benz, co‑owner of B&E Marina, expressing the marina’s support for Harbor County Adventures and its Millennium Plaza concert series.
The letter, dated June 12, said B&E Marina — which operates 55 slips along Trail Creek near Millennium Plaza — has received no complaints from dock renters about the Friday and Saturday night concerts and that many slip holders view the music as enhancing the waterfront atmosphere. The letter also stated the marina believes the concerts end before any applicable curfews and that the events draw visitors from Chicago and elsewhere, supporting local tourism.
The port authority board member who read the letter added that Harbor County Adventures is a tenant at the Port Authority and that B&E Marina supports the operator’s summer programming, including concerts, food truck festivals, boat tours and rentals. The parks board confirmed it had received copies of the letter.
Board members did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; the letter was entered into the record as public comment.
