Boat Basin Concerns Rise
By Robin Jovanovich
A rumor is sometimes just that, but often it is a fait accompli.
Over the weekend, unsettling news stormed through town.
Boat Basin Supervisor George Hogben Jr. has been put on administrative leave — without cause.
Having decided that dredging costs are too onerous, the City is in negotiations with RowAmericaRye to lease the entire marina.
The harbor, which has been a working harbor for a third of a millennium, may not be long for this world, and a valued public amenity lost.
A group of residents, all longtime slip holders, were at the February 26 City Council meeting in a show of support for Hogben, whom they stated has done a good job keeping the facility safe and ship-shape the past four-and-a-half years. They asked the Council for clarity.
In advance of the meeting, RowAmericaRye board members and coaches sent a letter to their user group encouraging them to attend and show their support for Hogben.
“It has come to our attention that George Hogben, the Rye Boat Basin Supervisor at the marina adjacent to the club, has been placed on administrative leave for reasons that have not yet been made clear, and his job is in jeopardy.
“He has been an avid supporter of our club and has worked diligently to ensure the safety of our children rowing in the marina. Marina services he oversees include managing the moorings and boat slips, monitoring traffic in the marina, and coordinating with emergency services.
“Our club is a large and active presence in the marina and in the neighborhood. We feel that the support we receive from George in his role as Supervisor is critical to the RowAmerica program and our children’s safety.”
