Residents who live along Edwards Drive have to look at closed fences at the Yacht Basin every single day. They can’t even look at boats parked at any of the docks, because of new permits submitted back in June, people might have to wait even longer.
"I’d like to see it done right, I’d like to see some thought given into it," said Bobby Hunt.
NBC2 ran into Bobby Hunt Friday afternoon while he was walking his dog. Doing it three times a day means seeing the Yacht Basin as well.
"I’ve only had the privilege of seeing it since Hurricane Ian, and I saw a lot of wrecked boats which they cleaned up, but they’re still not operating and it’s kind of still an eyesore," Hunt told NBC2.
Suntex, the company that is looking to open the basin back up to the public, is changing what they already had planned. Councilman Liston Bochette says because of the change, the Army Corps of Engineers have to do the process all over.
"The original plan was laid out and approved by the Army Corps of Engineers for the slips and the yachts and the floating decks and well done, but now they’re looking at filling in some of the water and building physical properties on it," said Bochette.
Hurricane Ian didn’t help either.
"Had it not been for Hurricane Ian, we’d be probably wrapping it up right now," he added.
The right thing needs to be done to make sure everyone is happy and can create new memories.
"They won’t be destroyed by hurricanes again; it’ll be more hurricane-proof than ever, but we’ve got to get the green light to get started," said Bochette.
"My hope is that soon that project will get revitalized and I will be able to enjoy it and walk my dog," Hunt added.