[WYC Announce] Dock Updates and the Impact on WYC

[WYC Commodore]

Dear Friends of the WYC,

Over the last few years, the members of WYC have heard talk about a
potential dock renovation at the WAC.


The project is now in motion and certain information and documents have
been released but WYC, as the user of the waterfront, has still not been
formally informed about the full extent of the plans or been offered a
chance to comment and give input.


The major changes in the renovations include:
1. The complete and permanent removal of both the dinghy dock and boat ramp

2. The addition of a “beach” in the place of the dinghy dock and ramp

3. The reduction of the North dock from 616 ft to 282 ft

4. The re-orientation of the Montlake dock to be parallel to the boat
channel

5. Extensions on the North and South part of the Outer dock



The image above was made public on October 13th 2023, when UW issued a
public notice about this project and gave 14 days for public comment.
Unfortunately, no attempt was made to inform WYC about this so we were
unable to submit any comment.


These changes are of massive significance to the WYC and coinciding with
loss of space from the ASUW Shell House renovation will result in a
substantial change in how the space has been used historically and is being
used in the present. WYC would be extremely limited in its ability to
provide members access to sailing and sailing lessons which is a key tenet
of WYC.


Key Issues:



   -

   Impact on Historic Use and Significance: The removal and alteration of
   structures, such as the "A" and "B" docks and the boat ramp, challenge the
   continuity of our operations. These structures are not just physical
   entities but are deeply tied to WYC's history and our role in the UW
   community.



   -

   Operational Concerns: Proposed changes threaten the viability of our
   dinghy sailing lessons, a fundamental aspect of our offerings. The ease of
   access and safety provided by the existing structures are irreplaceable,
   and their removal will hinder our ability to serve diverse participants.



   -

   Accessibility and Inclusion: Many structures were designed with our
   input to facilitate accessibility for all students. Altering them without
   considering our operational needs risks diminishing the inclusive nature of
   our programs.



As a student organization and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we do
not have the resources to broadly make our concerns about this project
heard but one of our first steps is letting the WYC community know of these
proposed changes that would alter the waterfront and impact the club.


If you are interested in helping the club get its voice heard on this
issue, or know of anyone who may have experience in this field, please
reach out to an Officer on Discord or contact WYC at sailing at uw.edu  Feel
free to forward this message to anyone else who might be interested in the
issue and in helping the club.


The Officers and Executive Council are currently working on how to respond
to this issue and what actions the club should take. Watch Discord and the
WYC email list for announcements of upcoming meetings.


Finally, while we greatly value WYC, alumni, and community input, actions
taken by the club should be discussed and approved. We ask if you have an
idea for action you please come to the WYC Officers. Please refrain from
contacting anyone at UW or taking any other actions without first
discussing with the club. We want to have a unified and approved strategy
on this issue moving forward.


Attached is a copy of both the Determination of Non-Significance and the
SEPA Checklist.


Best,

Anna & Dylan
---
Dylan Wesen and Anna Kolinek
Co-Commodores
Washington Yacht Club
commodore at washingtonyachtclub.org

Join our Discord community <https://discord.gg/5uGyJvtXM6>.

www.washingtonyachtclub.org
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