Ferry initiative

Opposed the ferry, citing ~$100,000/year in taxpayer support and the existing 50-year-old water taxi business.

Distributed flyers opposing the ferry and raised claims about the Eastport Shopping Center building on city property and creek dredging; was called out of order.

Eastport Civic Association president argued the ferry's environmental case is moot, the $91,000 loss is a floor not a ceiling, no funding source exists, and Watermark lease revenue would be lost.

Argued the ferry won't cut emissions (51% of grid power is fossil), competes with water taxi, and doesn't solve the problems the business case claims.

Supported the ferry as a response to worsening downtown parking, noting visitors are changing plans after bad parking experiences and backing the pilot-phase approach.

Ward One Residents Association president thanked volunteers for the curb-painting effort (27.8 miles walked, 137 volunteer hours), then called the ferry 'a solution looking for a problem,' questioning demand, emissions, and the $525,000 match.

Annapolis Maritime Museum CEO said the museum does not currently support the ferry proposal, citing unresolved concerns about parking, dock availability, and operations at its potential Back Creek landing.

Listed ten better uses for the $91,500 — from water taxi vouchers to ADA sidewalks — and warned the ferry shifts parking problems to Eastport.

Said the city should fix basics — crosswalks, brick sidewalks, street lighting, bike lanes — rather than compete with the Watermark small business.

Compared the ferry unfavorably to the existing water taxi — wider coverage, seven-day service, on-demand efficiency — and recalled water taxis' role in emergency resilience during past bridge closures.

Unitarian Universalist minister supported the ferry, urging the council to build for the future and include younger generations and people of color in the conversation rather than let fear drive it.

Warned about 'shiny objects' that worked in bigger cities — citing five failed bike-share attempts — and said Annapolis lacks the scale for a ferry; even losing the grant could be a win.

Said the council lacks the factual basis it used for the adaptive boating center; dock and pier construction costs aren't in the numbers, and the city needs an independent cost analysis before deciding.

Owner of Watermark and the water taxis laid out the numbers: $166,000 operating cost vs. $74,000 fares, service only three days a week, and a city-subsidized competitor that would undercut a business that pays the city rent and taxes.

The former mayor championed the ferry as the kind of first-in-Maryland innovation Annapolis is known for, suggesting the city subsidize and convert the water taxi fleet to electric — and to 'let decisions be shaped by hopes, not fears.'