Tensions are running high at the Northeast Community Marina Authority meeting, where frustrated residents are demanding answers about whether the marina will remain closed heading into Memorial Day weekend. Many in the community feel they’ve been left in the dark by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The owner of the bait and tackle shop at the marina shared that he’s now in debt, with no business coming in after preparing for a season that never came.

However, residents expressed gratitude toward the Authority Board. With negotiations now underway to transfer control of the marina from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to the Northeast Community Marina Authority, the central question on everyone’s mind is: When will the marina finally reopen?

While the North East Marina’s closure is frustrating for boaters and anglers, the impact goes far beyond the docks. One business owner in North East, Michael Yori, says it’s hurting the entire community: "Basically, I've been in business in this town for 38 years and the marina is a driving force for the spring, summer, and fall."

Chairman Dan Adamus says the board is officially in negotiations to transfer the marina from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to the North East Community Marina Authority Board. "The problem is we don’t own the marina, and we don’t control it, so we’re kind of forced to work at the direction of the commission."

Adamus says an engineer signed a safety report confirming the marina was safe to reopen, but the Fish and Boat Commission rejected it, citing formatting issues. "We provided stamped plans, and we put together a public safety plan that showed how the marina could safely operate."

Big plans, shifting sands, and a changing tide — the Northeast Community Marina could soon look very different if new proposals sail through. "We’re doing everything we can. And if you believe this is really important, please reach out to your elected officials and let them know how important you believe the marina is to the economy — not only Erie County, but Northwestern Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth."