Questions have been posed by the public to Third Ward Councilman James Stoyle in regards to the new building being built on the pier. As such Stoyle presented the question of whether Charles Pringle, the current marina operator, would be running the business himself or if he plans to lease it out to a third party.

According to Rebecca Wurster, director of planning and development, the property is going to be subleased out.

“So we gave him $200,000 for him to operate it, but he’s going to lease it out instead?” Stoyle questioned. “Is it open to anybody?”

Wurster further commented that Pringle is open to anyone who is interested.

Nichols further asked if subleasing was allowed.

“You can as long as the landlord signs off on it,” City of Dunkirk Attorney Richard Morrisroe replied. “They have to give us written notice and then it’s up to us to say yes or no.”

When asked if the subleasing would have to go before council, Morrisroe further advised that it does not.

“They give notice to the Planning and Development Department and essentially we already know that he’s looking for an operator,” Morrisroe added. “The $200,000 went towards the building not towards the operator, so it’s not money that went into his pocket or the marina’s pocket. The operations of the building have nothing to do with that money.”