Debate over North Hempstead Mooring Fees, Water Taxi Program

If you're getting a mooring in the Town of North Hempstead for the summer this year, you might notice steeper fees. That increase is in part for water taxi services. The Town board voted Tuesday night at its board meeting to put out a request for proposals on water taxi services.

Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio explained that last year the Town provided free water taxi service because there were issues with rowboats they typically would have offered, and it was cheaper to give the taxi service.

"We're trying it," DeGiorgio said of the new plan. She also encouraged Town residents who use the moorings to give her feedback about the program when the boating season is over. The season begins on April 15.

Also part of the plan is the ability to use rowboats from the water taxi vendor after hours.

Councilman Angelo Ferrara asked if it was mandatory that people with moorings participate in the water taxi program and suggested that perhaps there be multiple fee options depending on what kind of transportation people require.

DeGiorgio noted that the $225 fee is less than what people would pay if they each individually sought water taxi service and said that maybe next year the Town can look into other options such as those that Ferrara mentioned.