Adaptive Boating Center

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Future Home of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating

NEW ADAPTIVE BOATING CENTER in 2023!!

On September 2, 2020, the State of Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously approved the $1.8 million Program Open Space (POS) grant for the City of Annapolis to acquire property at 7040 Bembe Beach Road for $2,250,000. Anne Arundel County contributed $1.3M and the City of Annapolis committed $500,000 of their POS funding, which is in addition to the $1M committed by the State of Maryland in the 2019 Capital Improvement budget.  The City of Annapolis closed on the property October 30th and CRAB signed a 40-year lease with the City of Annapolis on November 19, 2020.

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Demolition and construction on the property will include replacing the fixed dock marina with a 16-slip floating dock that will exceed ADA standards. The existing house and 4,000 sq. ft. commercial building will be demolished and removed with new construction including a 2,600 sq. ft. learning center with office space that will be built outside the 100’ critical area, significantly reducing the structural impervious surface in the critical area. The ABC will also be a model of environmental stewardship utilizing solar energy, recycled building materials, and rain garden landscaping. An open-air pavilion and picnic area will provide a comfortable venue for greater socialization among guests, families, and caregivers, while looking out at Back Creek.

Plans for the ABC include a training classroom and will offer instruction using virtual technology to assist people with disabilities who want to increase their sailing skills or earn a Maryland Boating Certificate, to learn about marine trades, and offer job training and internship programs. Additional adaptive water sports and programs will be offered at the ABC to expand outreach to more guests including paddle boarding, kayaking, and remote-controlled sailboat racing.

CRAB’s fleet of boats will also expand to include an adaptive pontoon boat that will allow people in wheelchairs to experience being on the Bay - fishing, crabbing, or earning a boating certificate. Another vessel to be added to the fleet will be a larger sailboat so that CRAB sailors can participate in Wednesday Night Sailboat Racing.

Donations for the Adaptive Boating Center accepted here:

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Take a look at the ABC Brochure!

For more information or to get involved, please contact Debbie Daugherty, Director of Development, at debbie@crabsailing.org.

Milestones:

January 2017 - CRAB Board of Directors decided to look for a location that would allow growth without limitations

June 2017 - Signed letter of intent with owners of Port Williams Marina for its sale

June 2019 - State of Maryland appropriates $1 Million in the capital improvement budget for the Adaptive Boating Center

September 3, 2020 - Board of Public Works approves $1 million for Adaptive Boating Center

November 19, 2020 - Lease for property signed with the City of Annapolis

March 19, 2021 - MD Dept of Environment approves marina permit application

March 23, 2021 - Annapolis Board of Port Wardens approves marina permit application

April 12, 2021 - State Legislature approves $75,000 Bond Bill and $250,000 Waterway Improvement Grant for ABC

September - October 2021 - Marina Demolition & Construction

October 2021 - Arthur and Patricia Edwards Family Marina is nearly complete! We are only waiting for water and electric hookup. CRAB Fleet arrives at the marina for the first time.

November 4, 2021 - Planning Commission Public Hearing

November 18, 2021 - City Planning Commission approves site plan for Adaptive Boating Center.   Ald. Rob Savidge and Ald. Rhonda Pindell Charles speak in support

December 6, 2021 - Received DNR Waterway Improvement grant for marina. Taishoff Foundation first installment donation of $200,000 received to name ABC building the Lawrence B. Taishoff Building

December 22, 2021 - Architecture firm ABS Architects (Jay Schwarz, Principal) selected to finalize drawings and building permit documentation. Demolition and grading permits submitted to City

January 26, 2022 - Maryland Board of Public Works votes to approve the Bond Bill for $75,000 for 3 ADA restrooms at the Boathouse

February 1, 2022 - Demolition permit issued by City

February 7, 2022 - Economy Tree Service removes trees from ABC property

February 22, 2022 - Request for Qualifications for construction services published in Capital Gazette.

Next Steps:

  • Upon receiving grading permit, begin building demolition & removal, grading of property
    (January-February)
  • Land improvements and building construction (Spring 2022)
  • Final inspections and office move - 2023
  • Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening - Spring 2023