I followed with anger the series of articles in the Dunkirk OBSERVER in recent weeks regarding the city-owned marina in Dunkirk.

The article quoted Vince DeJoy, city development and planning director, who indicated that the city is continuing its Main Street grant of $2 million to improve the marina, but did not inform the present operators, Pete Smith and his family, of the city’s intended operator.

Smith and his family have maintained the Marina, and continue to serve the boat clients and have made their lease payments to the city on time.

What I can’t understand is why neither the city nor the newspaper reached out to Smith directly as the legal entity operating the marina. Furthermore, I am confused by the lack of communication with the city since Smith’s medical issues that occurred over two years ago. As a lifelong Chautauqua County resident, and as a 20-year retired city employee, I have been actively involved with the marina operators.

Smith and his family are the first marina operators to take care of the docks, improve the overall operations, and continue to make improvements. As a matter of fact, the last two operators required the city to fix all of the problems at the marina, despite making the money from the marina operations.

I am further confused by the county and city’s involvement with an investor who has a string of failed businesses who has not helped Dunkirk to grow. This guy, during Smith’s medical crisis, forced him into signing contracts and now he is trying to take control of the marina and Pete’s other waterfront property at an extreme discount. This guy also has empty buildings throughout Dunkirk that are falling apart.

What I can’t figure out is why the city would continue to offer financial assistance to this guy, despite his poor track record. Smith and his family have done quite the opposite, opening new businesses, owning rental units that are in good condition and occupied. They are also active in the community with their church and various charities.

Despite a lack of cooperation from the city, Smith and his family continue to meet their lease obligations and promote the marina. It is also difficult for me to understand why a single incident that occurred over two years ago due to a medical condition could result in a local resident and his family being treated poorly, and ignoring all the good things they have done.

I would hope that the media would spend the time to provide accurate information about this ongoing dispute over the marina.

Russell Tenamore is a Dunkirk resident.