As Mayor, in 2015 I happily and proudly initiated the boathouse project. I’m a rower and I see the value of bringing this lifetime sport to our Erie Canal village. The boathouse is nearing completion and rowing will soon be a reality in Brockport.
Yes, let’s respond to negativity.
I will preface my remarks by saying that there is and has been a vocal minority of residents who, for 10 years, have been dead set against rowing in Brockport under any circumstances, which is a complete mystery to other Rochester area communities that have rowing.
Brockport Community Rowing has reached out to a large number of area people who are actively interested in rowing in Brockport. And why wouldn’t they reach out to SUNY Brockport’s KSSPE Department (SUNY Phys Ed) with their adaptive program, given the large number of staff and students with varied expertise and abilities, and even to the Brockport Central School District to provide fee based programs that build community support in a sport available to all ages and a range of abilities.
Yes, let’s clear up inaccuracies.
The village has been transparent regarding the cost of bringing rowing to Brockport, which we have done through grants and donations. We received a $150,000 Canalway grant from the Canal Corporation in 2023 to build a boathouse. These funds were augmented by a $50,000 DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of NY) grant and $22,374 in community donations for a total of $222,374. Total boathouse construction expenses, including preparation of the site, gravel fill, etc. is $230,000. Like other grants the village receives through NYS, the Canalway grant requires a 50% match from the village. That match is being provided by Brockport DPW labor and some materials, just as the 50% match for the $248,000 CFA grant to upgrade Corbett Park was provided by DPW labor and materials. A small amount of the boathouse match is being provided by volunteer labor. The ($7,108) village budget transfer for the boathouse is part of the public record from the December 16, 2024 village board meeting. It is not taxpayer money but came from interest on investments.
Brockport Community Rowing is a non-profit 501c3 but it must be self-sustaining through its members who pay an annual membership fee and through non-members who pay for classes. Rowers may rent space to house their rowing shells in the boathouse. Fees from classes, membership and rack rental will pay for rowing equipment, coxswains and coaches, and boathouse utilities. Brockport Community Rowing will give back to the village not only by hosting “learn to row” programs that expand the sport, club membership, and teach rowing to new audiences, but by bringing users to our vibrant downtown.
And, let’s talk about public information.
Everything about the boathouse project was made public in two 2024 Village Board workshops (June 24 and October 28) devoted exclusively to that topic. Attendees had an opportunity to participate, to ask questions, voice support or disapproval.
The workshop minutes are available on the village website. Here are the links, including the Powerpoint presentation from June 24: https://ecode360.com/BR0227/document/753105483.pdf, https://brockportny.org/wp-content/uploads/Boathouse-Workshop-Final.pdf and https://ecode360.com/BR0227/document/753072268.pdf.
Remaining to be completed and subject to a village board vote of approval is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Village and Brockport Community Rowing for use of the boathouse.
As a community on the Erie Canal, we are fortunate in Brockport to be able to welcome rowing as a quality of life enhancement.
Let’s mark our calendars.
Brockport Community Rowing’s scheduled events include:
•June 13 – Ribbon Cutting
•June 14 – Tables at Low Bridge High Water
(at the Welcome Center)
•June 15 – Open House (at boathouse)
•July 4 – Morgan Manning 4th of July Celebration
All of these events are open to the public. I encourage you to come.
Margay Blackman, Mayor
Village of Brockport
