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hazardous—for users to access and navigate following a recent redesign. Several community <br /> members and officials have observed a noticeable decline in the ramp's functionality, prompting <br /> growing frustration and concern among both recreational boaters and municipal personnel. <br /> The Constable, along with Dwight Pfundstein, provided a detailed explanation of the issue, <br /> highlighting a critical design flaw in the newly reconstructed ramp. According to their <br /> observations, the ramp was not built with the correct angle or pitch, which has resulted in a <br /> structure that flattens out too early. This design deficiency has significantly altered the ramp's <br /> usability. As a direct consequence, even during high tide—typically the most favorable time for <br /> boat launching—individuals attempting to use the ramp are finding that their vehicles, <br /> particularly the rear tires, are being submerged in saltwater. This not only complicates the <br /> launching process but also raises serious concerns about public safety, vehicle damage, and long- <br /> term accessibility. <br /> These problems have become a major safety issue not just for the general public but also for <br /> shellfish department staff, who frequently rely on the ramp for field operations. Constable Avis <br /> and Mr. Pfundstein acknowledged that they had heard rumors suggesting the ramp might be <br /> scheduled for regrading or repairs sometime in September or October of this year. However, they <br /> stressed that, as of this meeting, no formal notice or confirmation from the town or relevant <br /> regulatory body has been received. <br /> In response to the current challenges, Constable Avis has begun actively advocating for specific <br /> modifications to the ramp and surrounding areas. In particular,he emphasized the importance of <br /> ensuring continued access to parking areas and pedestrian walkways during any future <br /> construction or repair efforts. This is especially critical for shellfish farmers, who rely on <br /> consistent and safe access to the waterfront for their daily operations. Relocating to other, less <br /> suitable sites would increase safety risks and create logistical complications that could disrupt <br /> ongoing aquaculture activities. <br /> Several members of the board contributed to the discussion, offering historical insight and, in <br /> some cases, referencing documentation that supports the concern about the ramp's construction. <br /> Some members reported that the slope of the new ramp deviates significantly—by as much as 28 <br /> to 30 percent—from the original design specifications. There was a general consensus that the <br /> prior ramp, although not perfect, had served the community for many years and was considerably <br /> easier to use than the newly redesigned structure. The new configuration, they agreed, has made <br /> the process of launching boats more difficult and, for many, unacceptably risky. <br /> During the meeting, it was also shared that over the Fourth of July holiday weekenda <br /> particularly busy time for boat ramp use—multiple individuals expressed frustration with the <br /> situation. Several boaters reportedly voiced concerns about having to submerge portions of their <br /> vehicles in saltwater to successfully launch their boats, which not only inconvenienced users but <br /> also posed a risk of long-term, irreversible damage to personal property. <br /> In light of the mounting concerns, members of the committee raised the potential for increased <br /> formal complaints to be filed with the town if the issue remains unresolved. The risk of vehicle <br /> corrosion, costly repairs, and safety hazards could become a liability if action is not taken <br /> promptly. That said, while there was clear disappointment about the ramp's current state, many <br /> agreed that other components of the broader waterfront improvement project were successful. In <br /> 2 <br />