Want to run the Dunkirk Marina?

A big Hanna Commercial Real Estate sign recently erected near Lake Shore Drive, in front of the Boardwalk, says the adjacent marina is “available.” The listing on the real estate company’s website states, “Marina business and equipment are for sale, new marina operator will enter into a lease/licensing agreement with City of Dunkirk, with other options possible with guaranteed capital investment.”

There is no price available. Interested parties are asked to contact Hanna for that. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the marina was built in 1987 at a cost of approximately $3 million.

The city retains ownership of the marina site and leases it out to managers — but ran into trouble last year with that arrangement. A lease transfer to Peter Smith was allegedly done improperly, then Smith was arrested for alleged violent threats against someone he believed stole from him, in incidents that did not involve the marina.

The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency stepped in to help the city untangle the marina’s organizational problems. Meanwhile, the marina was getting eyed by local planners as a place to use some of Dunkirk’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. Smith originally made his own proposal, but city officials eventually distanced themselves and brought in the IDA to rework the plan.

The marina made the local list of DRI suggestions to state officials, who have the final say on where the money is going.

Hanna’s web page for the marina notes the “proposed $2 million in improvements.” Gov. Kathy Hochul will reportedly announce the winners of the funding later this month.

A “waterfront development site” nearby at 18-24 Lake Shore Drive West is also getting marketed by Hanna, with its own sign up there. That sign lists the site as “for sale.”

According to Hanna’s website, the two properties can be purchased separately or together. Marina managers have run the properties together in the recent past.

Hanna’s web listing states the marina has approximately 200 boat slips and can accommodate vessels up to 60 feet long. Equipment for sale “includes fueling and pump-out facilities, Kleeco 20-ton travel-lift, JCB forklift, two hydraulic trailers, tractor, work barge, crane, floating dock system, and more.”

It’s also noted the site includes a bar and restaurant (64 on the Pier), a restroom/shower area/storage building, a “boatyard for summer and winter storage, repair facilities, ship’s store, and parking lot for customers.”

Vince DeJoy, Dunkirk’s planning and development director, did not return an email this week seeking comment.