Swampscott Yacht Club
Please Support the SYC Porch Project
e-mail: CommodoreSYC@comcast.net
I am Bob Sharp, the Commodore of the Swampscott Yacht Club (SYC). I, The Board and members of the yacht club are asking for your support for our proposal to add a porch to the ocean side of the 2nd floor of the Fish House. I am asking for Swampscott residents over age 18 to show their support by e-mailing me using the e-mail link above. We will use the replies at the Selectmen’s meeting to indicate the level of support the SYC has from the community for this project. This information will be used solely for the Selectmen’s meeting, and for no other purpose. The Fish House is over 100 years old, and we want it to be around for another 100 years. Experts in historic preservation say that the best way to maintain historic properties is to ensure that there is an active and viable occupant who is willing to contribute the time and money to maintain the building. Without this support, a building will deteriorate over time because it becomes low on the priority list for town funding. Some examples of this are the Train Station and Andrews Chapel, which both sat for decades with little attention. SYC wishes to partner with the Town and Historical Commission where we can assist in the maintenance and preservation of the Fish House. A partnership is a two-way street: in order for the SYC to remain active and viable, changes to the Fish House such as the Porch will be required to enhance the experience of the members.
The Swampscott Yacht Club is a nonprofit organization formed in 1933 with approximately 200 members. The purposes of the Club are to promote, encourage and advance yachting, develop the friendship, sportsmanship and fellowship of its members, promote safe boating for adult and junior members and promote community service. The SYC has a long history of community service by providing a scholarship to a SHS senior each year, supporting the Friends of Swampscott Sailing organization, providing support and facilities for the High School Sailing Team, Swampscott Recreation Department Sailing Program and athletic organizations. In addition the SYC supports and runs several charity events such as the Polar bear plunge, raising $30,000 in the past 4 years for Jared Raymond & Jennifer Harris Memorial Scholarships, My Brothers Table, Friends of Swampscott Sailing, and the Legere Family. The SYC is also active in community events such the Harbor Fest celebration and blessing of the fleet. We donate meeting space for youth athletic organizations. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or questions. We need your help to make this happen! Bob Sharp Commodore |
The Porch is a 4-foot extension to the existing building. It is designed, with direction from the Historical Commission, with period detail to match the architecture created in 1896. The cost will be totally borne by the SYC. The Fish House is a town-owned historical property, and therefore we must seek the Selectmen’s approval for the project. We hope to meet with the Selectmen on May 25. 
The proposed porch and supporting foundation plans have been drawn by a licensed architect and designed by a licensed engineer. The proposal has been approved by the Conservation Commission in August of 2009 and the Historical Commission in April 2010.