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Marina update a ‘significant’ benefit

Millions of dollars to redevelop facility would pay off, consultant says.

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By Nancy Bowman, Contributing Writer 12:28 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

TROY — Consultants who explored the feasibility of redeveloping the Treasure Island Marina said the area’s rejuvenation would require “significant” financial commitment from the city but, in turn, offer “significant” benefits.

Among benefits of a revitalized marina — listed by Ballard-King & Associates of Highlands Ranch, Colo. — would be a regional attraction providing recreational opportunities closer to home.

For their study conducted between April and August, Ken Ballard said people locally, regionally and at the state level were interviewed and three communities with similar outdoor recreation amenities — Loveland, Xenia and Yellow Springs — were used as case studies.

Among topics explored was potential economic impact on the Troy community. The consultants said a rudimentary assessment based on what people would spend a day coming to the area and the cost of running enhanced marina facilities “indicate a considerable annual monetary benefit is possible.”

The capital costs to redevelop the marina facility are estimated roughly at $2.5 million to $3.34 million. Although the goal would be for the operation to cover as much operational costs as possible through revenues generated, a shortfall is likely, so a funding plan should be in place from the start, the consultants said.

The report lists several possible partners and ways of raising money needed for the improvements.

With the report in hand, Troy Mayor Mike Beamish plans to start talking in depth with potential partners and supporters beginning early next year.

“It is an untapped treasure,” he said. “I was looking (with the study) for validation that the redevelopment vision is realistic. He said that it is.”

The marina building was built by Hobart Brothers Co. in 1946, first serving as a water sports activity center for the Hobart family, friends and employees. The Hobarts donated the marina to the city in the 1970s. During the last 30 years, activities waned, with the city leasing the marina restaurant to Arang for several years, before new tenant Craig Hughes and his Tin Roof restaurant took over in the past year. Hughes has expressed interest in working with the city on adding recreational activities at the marina.

Among those listed as a possible project partner is the Miami County Park District.

The district has worked with Troy and other communities along the Miami and Stillwater rivers on activities such as the Treasure Island River Adventure Series of activities on or near the river. The district also has been involved in construction of recreational trail sections and will maintain and monitor sections in rural areas.

Jerry Eldred, park district executive director, said all communities along the rivers have a vested interest in their use as recreational areas and he’s OK with communities pursuing ideas.

“We would like to see all of the communities come together and put their ideas and plans down on one comprehensive master plan, and accomplish everyone’s goals,” Eldred said.

ontact this reporter at nancykburr@aol.com or (937) 339-4371.