New ownership of Chadwick Bay Marina is hoped to bring waves of positive change and development to Dunkirk’s waterfront.

It has been less than a week since Charles and Leslie Pringle began operating Chadwick Bay Marina and some changes are already evident.

The Pringles purchased what was formerly known as Stefan’s Marina from Jeff Gambino and leased the city-owned marina. The sale was aided by the county, city and Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.

Charles Pringle said the purchase took a total of 18 months, but after receiving the keys on Wednesday, he is ready to put that behind him and move forward with his plans for the marina.

Leslie Pringle explained she and her husband are used to working seven days a week after owning a different business in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Holiday Harbor in Celoron since 2009.

She added this all started because of CCIDA Vice President for Marketing Michelle Turner.

On Monday, Turner jokingly referred to her involvement by referencing the expression “There’s always a woman to blame (Cherchez la femme – literally ‘Look for the woman’),” but said, “This time it’s a good thing.”

“I have known Charles and Leslie for many years and was there when they purchased Holiday Harbor Marina in Celoron. Over the years I have witnessed the positive influx that their vision and hard work has brought to Chautauqua County. Working with them on the purchase of the Dunkirk marina over the last 18 months has been a great Turner, along with the rest of the CCIDA team and county and city officials, assisted in seeing the Pringles’ vision to the finish line. The CCIDA assisted with an AL Tech Revolving Loan Fund loan and mortgage recording tax abatements related to acquisition and improvements.

County Executive Vince Horrigan said he sees this as another big win for Northern Chautauqua County.

“This is a great, great development. Along with Athenex, we have great things on the horizon and we’re really excited about this. … The harborfront here is clearly a jewel and we’re starting to see the shine take shape and we’re pleased to be part of it,” he said.

Mayor Willie Rosas said he was also proud to be a part of it.

“This was very important, by far my biggest accomplishment as mayor in my six months of office. We’re expecting big, positive changes. When I ran for office and campaigned, I promised development for our waterfront and I promised positive change. This is the beginning of the positive change that we were referring to,” he said.

Others also see this as the first step in something bigger.

“We are looking at this project as a real lightning rod for economic development. There is so much more to come, from condo living to another hotel. … Good news is spreading and it is going to be the positive making a difference, not the negative,” CCIDA Administrative Director/CEO Kevin Sanvidge said.

Legislator George Borrello said a vibrant marina is important to all Chautauqua County communities along the lake that hope to attract boaters from other areas. Legislator Bob Bankoski said he hopes Pringle will be as successful or more so than he is in Celoron.

Horrigan added, “Good news begets more good news. Word of mouth is really critical to us. We’re on a roll in Chautauqua County and, of course the northern part of this county is something we continue to focus on everywhere, the full line of business from pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospitality, tourism. Mr. Pringle’s operation at Holiday Harbor is absolutely fist class and he’s going to bring that first-class operation up here and I think that’s what people really see. When they’re treated well and they get that good service, they say, ‘Come on friends, come with use, we’ve got a great place to be.’ It’s just the word of mouth that continues to roll along in a positive direction.”

The Pringles’ “first-class” operation skills are already apparent with several improvements like work on the bathrooms, stock in the shop, gas available for purchase and removal of some grounded boats.

“We going to do a facelift on the bathrooms, we’re currently selling gas, we’ll be selling diesel this week, our pump box will be up and ready to go, they’re ready, we’re doing some dock work as we speak. Our ship store, we’re stocking that with sundries and bait and tackle. We just want to make sure the property’s safe and ready to go to get through the summer season,” Charles explained.

He said the marina will also be rebranded as the sister marina to Holiday Harbor, now to be “Holiday Harbor at Chadwick Bay.”

He also has bigger, long-term plans in the form of a new showroom building to sell new and used boats that will be located between the bathroom and the Boardwalk Market.

“We are in the design phase now. It may happen this winter, but we certainly don’t want to disrupt the summer season. If it doesn’t happen this winter, certainly it will be on our radar for next year,” he said.

The marina will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pringle said he is considering extending hours and will need to add staff for his plans.

The Pringles and officials gathered thanked those involved, including Horri-gan, Sanvidge, Turner, CCIDA Business Develop-ment Manager Kristine Morabito, CCIDA Chief Financial Officer Rich Dixon, Bankoski, Borrello, Rosas, Dunkirk Common Council, City Engineer Randy Woodbury, City Assessor Thomas Mleczko, City Attorney Andrew Brautigam, Assistant Devel-opment Director Nicole Waite, Dunkirk Festivals and Special Events Coordinator Hector Rosas, former Development Director Duane Beard, Gambino and Pringle.