The Jamestown Town Hall was packed Monday night. About 90 people attended the town council meeting, many of them wearing hats and jackets sporting the Conanicut Marine Services logo.
The Jamestown Newport Ferry wasn’t on the agenda, but it was the topic of conversation and interest.
Bill Munger has owned and operated the Jamestown Newport Ferry service as part of Conanicut Marine Services for decades. After he sold part of the private marina where the ferry docks, questions over ownership and lease agreements at the ferry landing have put an end to the service.
Four members of the community took a turn at the microphone during the public comment section of the meeting. Nick Robertson spoke first and addressed the disputes between the town and the owner of the ferry service.
“Negotiations are stalled. Lines of communication have been disconnected,” Robertson said. “Invite Mr. Munger back to the table. I’m sure he’ll consider it.”
The Jamestown Town Council released a statement Feb. 28, writing that the town maintains ownership and control of the space at the East Ferry, and remains committed to protecting public access.
Munger said he supports public access.
“We all want public access. But again, this particular footprint is the footprint of the Jamestown Newport ferry for hundreds of years,” Munger said. “And it is public access in a grand way, for all user groups.”
UPDATE: The Jamestown Harbor Commission presented details of the ongoing matter of the ferry as part of a public meeting Wednesday night. The commission approved a motion recommending that the Jamestown Town Council and Conanicut Marine Services enter into mediated discussions in order to get the ferry running by May. The recommendation will go to the town council for consideration.
