Date of Award
1968
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Community Planning (MCP)
Department
Community Planning and Area Development
First Advisor
Carol Thomas
Abstract
An increase in boat ownership and participation in boating since the early 1950's has caused problems along waterfront property in small-craft harbors. The commercial, sports fishing, and pleasure boats create problems in the harbor and along waterfront property such as congestion and mixed land uses which affect the quality of the harbor environment.
The purpose of this study was to establish criteria which, if met, would reduce or possibly eliminate problems on the land related to boating. Two examples of the criteria which can be applied to reduce waterfront problems related to boating are: (1) supporting land uses should be largely dependent upon the harbor's function and (2) commercial establishments should be located according to the services they provide, the needs which they demand, and access required by boaters.
The land resource criteria developed in this study and the water resources criteria developed by William R. Onosko in "Criteria for Boating," the "counterpart" to this study, could be useful in understanding and planning of landwater activities. A small-craft refuge harbor at Galilee, Rhode Island, was selected as the study area for the applicability of the land resource criteria. This area is a multifunction harbor and has several evident problems related to boating. Thus it is a sound test area for hypothetically applying the land resource criteria to plan the harbor land area according to the various boating activities.
It was concluded that the criteria established could be beneficial for the development of land areas in similar harbors. Application of the criteria could result in a greater maximization of land utilization and arrangement of complementing land-water uses for maximum benefit to boaters and people who visit the harbor. Furthermore, the criteria could be useful in determining and guiding development of the facilities needed for the various boating activities and day-to-day harbor functions.
By applying these criteria to harbor areas, benefits also would be evident to a community. Improvements in the harbor should enhance the value of nearby property, and boating enthusiasts interested in residing near a boating area would probably settle close to the harbor. An increased number of visitors in the harbor utilizing their leisure time on boats probably would increase local business opportunities. All of these factors would tend to benefit the community by attracting new business to meet the demands of boatsmen and tourists, by increasing employment, and by increasing the tax base.
Recommended Citation
Sikorski, Donald Anthony, "Study of Land Resources Used for Boating in Galilee, Rhode Island" (1968). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 496.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/496
Terms of Use
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