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Troy mayor taking ‘baby steps’ to develop ‘potential treasure’

Beamish continues Treasure Island Marina promotion

$Mark Cowley of Tipp City kayaks in July around the Treasure Island Marina in Troy. A recent $20,000 river study commissioned by the city of Troy focused on the feasibility of more activities along the Great Miami River. \uFEFF Staff photo by Jim Witmer$

Mark Cowley of Tipp City kayaks in July around the Treasure Island Marina in Troy. A recent $20,000 river study commissioned by the city of Troy focused on the feasibility of more activities along the Great Miami River. \uFEFF Staff photo by Jim Witmer

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By Nancy Bowman, Contributing writer 3:15 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2009

TROY — Mayor Mike Beamish wants to continue to take “baby steps” toward more use of the Treasure Island Marina area along the Great Miami River while keeping in mind the current tight economy.

He plans to begin meetings in early 2010 with potential public and private partners. He said they’ll be asked to help bring to reality his dream of renewed recreational use of the marina building, the surrounding Treasure Island Park and the river that flows nearby.

Beamish said a recently completed marina feasibility study by Ballard-King and Associates of Highlands Ranch, Colo., supported his belief the area “is a potential treasure and an economic impact for the community.”

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 area was a center for boating, water skiing, picnics, fishing, entertainment and other events.

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 other possible partners mentioned in the Ballard-King report are the Miami County Park District and the Miami Conservancy District along with foundations. The city has spent around $60,000 in the marina area during the past year on maintenance projects, said Patrick Titterington, the city’s service and safety director. Those projects include $30,000 in repairs to HVAC and plumbing; $5,000 for an aeration fountain and electric; and $25,000 for river area dredging.

The report lists general estimates of up to $3.3 million for capital projects for the marina area. It states also an annual funding plan should be in place to cover an anticipated “substantial operations shortfall that will need to be funded each year.’

Beamish has been talking about Treasure Island and the marina to anyone interested in listening.

A phased project is likely, he said, adding he’ll acknowledge the financial times while talking to potential partners.

“I think it’s good for the future. I don’t know if now is right because of finances,” Beamish said. “With a few more baby steps, we can move forward until the project matures.”

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