To the editor:

After traveling the world for 35 years, I always planned a return to the east coast. Having graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, I learned to love small coastal towns. Oddly enough, I had never heard of Bristol until a dear friend invited me here for a visit. It only took a weekend to realize Bristol’s historic and picturesque attributes.

Bristol has many endearing parallels to Annapolis. Both towns played pivotal roles in our country’s founding principles. Both towns reflect patriotic ideals. Even Annapolis cannot lay claim to a red, white, and blue main street centerline! Both towns have walkable downtown areas with a variety of restaurants, parks, a college, a history dating back centuries, and a stunning harbor district. Therefore, it came as no surprise when the U.S. Harbor Association named Bristol #4 on the list of 10 best harbors in the United States.

That said, I am perplexed by our town council and the owner of the Bristol Harbor Inn. Together they want to ruin Bristol’s quaint harbor scene with a floating pool tethered next to the public dock in the center of town. The “pool” is of questionable value. While the entire “vessel” is 20’x40’, the pool itself is only 8’x20’. It is little more than an overgrown bathtub. Inserting an inane eyesore like this sets a precedent that will only lead to a carnival-like atmosphere.

All this begs the question, why? The owner, Larry Goldstein, claims he needs the pool to increase his summer occupancy rate. However, he also applied for a variance to add seven hotel rooms to accommodate summer reservations. Inexplicably, if the hotel needs the extra rooms during the summer months, why does he need a pool to attract patrons when the hotel is already booked full? After repeated requests, Mr. Goldstein has yet to produce occupancy records for public consumption.

There exists a myriad of other conflicts. Not the least of which is the pool’s failure to conform to federally mandated disabilities regulations. Plus, the Coastal Resource Management Council’s regulations limit vessels of this nature to 150 square feet. This monstrosity will be 800 square feet.

Earlier I mentioned the parallels between Bristol and Annapolis. Years ago, Annapolis applied strict restrictions to maintain their harbor’s scenic appearance. Coincidentally, like Bristol, Annapolis only had one hotel, the Maryland Inn. Today, Annapolis is a vibrant, thriving coastal community with four major hotels, none of which affect the town’s waterfront views. Incidentally, the old historic Maryland Inn is one of the most sought-after hotels and it still does not have a pool.

Keeping these observations in mind, you might understand why I am perplexed with the town council’s willingness to endorse an obvious blemish to our harbor district. Even a member of the town’s Harbor Council called it a “dumb idea.”

To his credit Steven Contente, the city’s Administrator, was willing to withdraw his positive recommendation. And while I admire Council Chairman Nathan Clouro’s commitment to an open “process” regarding the city’s endorsement, it seems illogical to support a blight on our beautiful harbor when the “process” is based on seriously flawed substantiation.
Does the town really want a circus side show in the middle of town or do we want to see Bristol preserve its award-winning beauty?

Paul J. Falten
Thames Street