Irondequoit, N.Y.—Passed in May and in effect this weekend, boaters in one half-mile stretch of Lake Ontario will have to steer at least 300 feet clear of the shoreline.
“It seems like the boaters have already moved so we are not expecting any problems at all,” said a homeowner of 50 years who did not wish to be named.
In previous years, homeowners along the bay outlet complained that boaters would gather, anchor close to shore, party and even trespass on private beach properties en route to local bars.
“It’s nice; you just anchor and walk in,” said Dave Cooper.
He said he understands the homeowners’ side but also that of boaters who’ve enjoyed the freedom of both anchoring near shore and being able to enjoy local establishments.
“A few bad apples ruin it for everybody,” added Cooper. “There’s a ton of shoreline, you can go that way, and you can go that way; it really only affects Irondequoit.”
Authorities will hand out tickets to violators but tell 13 WHAM News this weekend will be more about bringing boaters up to speed on the new ordinance.
