Medina approves dedicating dock space to new boating business for a fee
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Village Board agreed to dedicate use of one of the docks at the Erie Canal for a new business offering boat rides.
Brian Hellner will need to pay $125 a month or $625 for the season to have exclusive access to one of the docks.
Mayor Mike Sidari said brick-and-mortar stores pay village taxes. He said it’s only fair a business using the dock pay a fee.
“We have to maintain down there and mow the lawn,” Sidari said about the Canal Basin area.
Brian Hellner of Newfane is looking to open a new business offering rides for up to six people on a 20-foot-long pontoon boat. Hellner said he has been a licensed charter captain the past 12 years and an avid boater the past 50 years. He also is a former vice president of the Buffalo Maritime Center.
Hellner said he sees an opportunity to grow tourism in the village through the canal cruises. He plans to call the business, North Star Charters. He would like to offer one-hour rides from Friday through Sunday from June to the fall. The Erie Canal closes to boating traffic on Oct. 11. It opened for its 199th season on May 19.
